Over 50 illegal immigrants nabbed in Lim police operation
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe led the operation in which 100 suspects were arrested for various crimes.
LIMPOPO- More than 50 illegal immigrants were netted during Operation Kukula in Vhembe on Friday and Saturday, after the police in Limpopo joined forces with other law enforcement agencies.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe led the operation in Thohoyandou, supported by role players including the Department of Traffic, Correctional Services, Health, Home Affairs, the National Prosecuting Authority, Ledet, Labour, Community Safety, Community Patrollers, Community Policing Forum, private security and business.
The operation was executed through intensified roadblocks on the R524, stop-and-search patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects as well as high visibility and patrols in hotspot areas, included raiding liquor outlets and shebeens.
The police hit the streets of Vhembe, resulting in the arrest of 100 suspects aged between 23 and 52 for crimes ranging from assault with the intention to do grievous bodily harm, contravention of the Immigration Act, violation of protection orders, robberies, possession of dagga and possession of counterfeit goods, public drinking to driving under the influence of liquor.
During the operation, 110 fines were issued for the contravention of the Road Traffic Act, 15 for contravening the Second Hand Goods Act, and four for contravening the Customs Act.
A total of nine shebeens were closed, six fines were issued for trading without a licence, and one shop was closed for failure to comply with municipal bylaws.
Hadebe said she was impressed with the successes that had been achieved, and she thanked all those who participated in the operation.
“Operation Kukula will be taken to the three remaining districts, and is expected to make an impact there as well,” she concluded.
