Operation Maluti
Operation Maluti 2016, a well-coordinated Trilateral Anti-Crime operation in the borders between South Africa, Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State yielded desired results this month.
With at least 16 cattle, valued at R144 000 being recovered and repatriated to Lesotho complainants, while 4 goats, valued at R4 000, three sheep valued at R3 000 and one horse valued at R3000, were also recovered and impounded in Matatiele Pound as two parties (South Africa and Lesotho) disputed about the ownership of the livestock.
According to police, this multi-disciplinary operation by SAPS, South African National Defence Force (SANDF), National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Home Affairs was aimed at combating cross-border crimes like stock theft, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and vehicle theft.
“A decision to have this operation was taken after a steady increase in reported cases of transnational border crime like stock theft, smuggling of firearms, stolen vehicles and drugs was noticed,” police spokesman Lt Khaya Tonjeni said.
Twelve cases ranging from property theft, possession of suspected stolen stock, possession of dagga, stock theft were opened at Afsondering SAPS and seven suspects aged between 22 and 37 will appear in the Maluti Magistrate’s Court facing various charges related to stock theft.
“Another 22-year-old suspect was arrested for not having legal documents to be in the country and Home Affairs will follow up with the case.
“More arrests are eminent as police will investigate the cases and bring more suspects under arrest and prosecution,” Tonjeni said.
Another operation in the south of the Eastern Cape Province was held with emphasized high police presence on major roads in Humansdorp, Graaff-Reinet, Cradock and Aliwal North clusters.
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