A high-impact, multi-disciplinary crime-combatting initiative, Inter Provincial Operation, has led to over 517 arrests across four provinces—Western Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape—marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against serious crime.
Launched on 24 March 2025, this Inter-Provincial Cross-Border Crime Combatting Operation was strategically executed to enhance police visibility, disrupt illicit activities and curb criminal networks operating across provincial borders. The operation that ended on 28 March 2025 focused on monitoring National and Secondary roads linking the provinces, entry, and exit routes to intercept illegal drugs, unlicensed firearms, stolen goods, and undocumented persons. It also targeted violent crimes, economic offenses, drug trafficking, illicit mining and stolen livestock. Police also made use of air and water patrols to cover large rural areas.
A significant breakthrough was achieved within the first 24 hours of the operation when a coordinated effort by Free State, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape police led to the interception of a major drug consignment.
On 25 March 2025, at approximately 10:30, Aliwal North Detectives and Crime Intelligence (CI), acting on a tip-off, intercepted a truck traveling from Smithfield to Aliwal North. The K9 Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) were summoned for a thorough search, leading to the discovery of 12 large bags of crystal meth weighing 313.5 kg, with an estimated street value of R109.7 million. The truck, used for drug transportation, was confiscated, and the 29-year-old driver from Gauteng was arrested. He is set to appear in the Aliwal North Magistrate’s Court.
The Inter Provincial Operation has delivered tangible results, with 30 740 searches conducted, including 15237 persons, 11 013 vehicles and 442 premises across all provinces. Additionally, compliance inspections were carried out at 179 second-hand goods dealers, 19 scrap metal dealers, 597 spaza shops as well as four abattoirs, 25 butcheries and six auctions.
In total 517 people were arrested. Key arrests include 31 for property-related crimes, 15 for contact crimes, 60 for other serious crimes, 24 for police-initiated interventions (drug-related offenses and firearm possession), 100 undocumented persons and other arrests included suspects wanted for murder, robbery, and various offenses.
In total 926 fines were issued including 726 traffic fines to the value of R869 860. The other fines were issued for contravening bylaws as well as liquor related fines issued.
This multi-disciplinary effort involved SAPS specialized units, Provincial and Municipal Traffic Officials, PRASA, SANPARKS, Department of Transport, safety and Liaison, Port Managers, Security Companies, Gambling board, Border Management Authorities, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, SANDF, Eskom, SARS, Telkom, Transnet and various CPF patrollers. Roadblocks and stop-and-search operations were coordinated from the Joint Operational Centre in Gariepdam in the Free State.
The following successes were achieved during the week.
At the Swartkops Border Post, information was received regarding a truck transporting illicit goods. On Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at approximately 08:30, the truck was intercepted, and a search was conducted. Various illicit goods, including tyres, fish, prawns, and liquor, were seized, with an estimated value of approximately R250,000.
On Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at approximately 12:15, Walmer police executed a search warrant at an abalone drying facility in Lovemore Heights. A total of 18,464 units of dried abalone and drying equipment, valued at approximately R15 million, were seized. A Chinese national was arrested for contravening the Marine Living Resources Act and operating an illegal fish establishment.
On Thursday, 27 March 2025, at approximately 10:00, members of Mount Road executed a search warrant in Newton Park in connection with the trade of illicit goods. During the search, officers seized Uno card games, pregnancy test kits, wireless earbuds, electronic watches, and Vaseline therapy tubes, with an estimated total value of R2.4 million.
Authorities credited the operation with a notable decline in crime, particularly along the four provincial borders, due to high-density patrols and increased police visibility.
Provincial Commissioners commended all law enforcement officers and partners for their dedication and reaffirmed that the Inter Provincial Operation will continue to target priority crimes, protect communities, and ensure road safety through similar future initiatives.