Dozens arrested at landfill site in Bloemfontein

A number of criminals involved in various illicit activities were arrested at the Southern Landfill site in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The joint operation, which involved multiple law enforcement agencies, led to the arrests of individuals for crimes including drug possession, illegal alcohol sales, and illegal immigration.

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Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane said that a targeted raid was carried out at the Southern Landfill site.

“During the operation, law enforcement officers uncovered a series of criminal activities taking place within the site.

“A 31-year-old female resident was taken into custody after being found in possession of 12 full Mandrax tablets and nine small packets of crystal meth,” he said.

Illegal sale of alcohol

He also confirmed that a 48-year-old male was also apprehended for the illegal sale of alcohol without the required registration under the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act. Authorities seized 14 250 millilitres of beer as evidence.

The operation also revealed the presence of undocumented individuals residing within the landfill site. Covane said that 14 individuals – 10 males and four females aged between 18 and 45 – were arrested on charges of illegal immigration.

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“In addition to the arrests, law enforcement officers stumbled upon a significant cache of evidence. Abandoned within the site was a bag weighing approximately 12.5 kilogrammes, containing dried leaves of dagga.

Laptops and copper

“Furthermore, a number of electronic items, including laptops from well-known brands such as Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, and Sony, along with multiple cellphones, were discovered inside the dwellings. Additionally, police seized a quantity of copper material,” he said.

Following the operation, multiple case dockets have been opened at Kagisanong Police Station. Covane said that those arrested are currently being held in police custody and are expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court to face charges related to their respective offences.