EDEN CLUSTER – Crime combating operations in the Southern Cape as part of operation “Vhuthu hawe” resulted in the confiscation of drugs with an estimated street value R1 million. This operation commenced on Thursday, 24 June 2021 at 06h00. It included compliance inspections, roadblocks and vehicle check points, stop and search operations and the closing down of drug as well as liquor outlets.

On Thursday at about 19:30, members attached to Crime Intelligence, Attaqua K9 and the Eden Cluster Crime Combating Team operationalized information when they pounced on a house at 15th Avenue, Bongolethu, Oudtshoorn. A search of the premises ensued when police found 538 Mandrax tablets and 2,5 kilogram Tik concealed in a bag in a storeroom. The police arrested a 44-year-old man, a highflyer in the area, on a charge of dealing in drugs.

The team, armed with a search warrant, thereafter proceeded with a search of a house at 9th Avenue where small quantities of Mandrax tablets were discovered. They arrested a 21-year-old woman on a charge of dealing in drugs.

Meanwhile tracing operations for outstanding suspects led to the arrest of 69 suspects on outstanding warrants of arrests.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Major General Thembisile Patekile, joined these operations on Friday. He also addressed operational members and applauded them for their commitment. Major General Patekile said: “the deployment of resources in crime-stricken areas will continue to ensure that the public are and feel safe”.

All arrested will appear in the various local courts once charged.

Source: South African Police Service