Tag: law enforcement

SAPS honours fallen police officers

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
As part of the build-up to SAPS Commemoration Day, which will be held at the Union Buildings on Sunday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will honour 12 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the people of South Africa.

On Monday, the SAPS paid tribute to the late Sergeant Sello Raymond Sema, who was stationed at Norkem Park Police Station and was killed in the line of duty on 29 October 2025.

Every year on 1 September, the nation remembers police officers who have lost their lives in the service and protection of the public.

The names of the fallen officers have been engraved on the SAPS Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings as a lasting symbol of gratitude for their sacrifice.

Crackdown leads to R167m cocaine bust at OR Tambo International

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has seized more than 333kg of cocaine worth an estimated R167 million during a targeted operation at OR Tambo International Airport.

The drugs were intercepted on a flight arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, in a coordinated operation covering aircraft baggage offloading, passenger baggage screening and cargo inspections.

Customs officials first discovered two suitcases containing 75 bricks of cocaine weighing 83.10kg in the international arrivals hall. The matter was handed over to the South African Police Service for further investigation and forensic processing.

A SARS narcotics detection dog separately reacted to cargo from the same flight. A subsequent inspection uncovered at least 250kg of additional cocaine.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu said the seizure of cocaine from both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight demonstrated the value of integrated, intelligence-led enforcement.

He said the operation highlighted SARS Customs' growing ability to detect and disrupt sophisticated smuggling syndicates through intelligence, data analysis and risk profiling.

Makhubu also thanked law enforcement agencies and international partners for their cooperation in tackling transnational drug trafficking and protecting South Africa's borders and legitimate economy.

SARS said the seizure forms part of intensified efforts to combat the illicit movement of narcotics and other prohibited goods through the country's ports of entry.
Drug bust at OR Tambo Airport

Call for Increased Patrols at Garden Route Dam After Latest Attack

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The FF Plus is urgently calling on the police and George municipal law enforcement services to immediately increase visibility and patrols at the Garden Route Dam.

The dam is a popular recreational area where residents and visitors walk, jog and cycle. The latest incident, in which a 22-year-old woman was approached from behind and grabbed around the neck while walking alone to her vehicle, highlights the serious safety risks in the area.

Several incidents in recent times indicate that the current level of visibility is insufficient. The FF Plus is requesting increased patrols at the dam and along the surrounding routes, and that all incidents continue to be reported so that crime patterns can be identified and addressed.

However, the solution cannot be for people to stay away from the dam out of fear. When residents avoid public spaces, it becomes easier for criminals to take control of them.

Visitors are instead encouraged to act responsibly, move in groups where possible and remain vigilant.

"Tourism is an important pillar of George’s economy and supports numerous businesses and jobs. The town cannot afford for a valuable tourism and recreational area to develop a reputation for being unsafe," the FF Plus said in a statement.

The political party is calling on all stakeholders to work together to make the Garden Route Dam safer, so that residents and visitors can enjoy it with greater peace of mind.

Photo by Wessel Van Heerden Photography

SAPS Seizes R28 Million Cocaine Shipment at OR Tambo International Airport

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized 95kg of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport in a major drug bust targeting international drug trafficking.

Police said the cocaine was intercepted on Friday during an intelligence-led operation after SAPS Crime Intelligence's Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug shipment.

The operation involved SAPS Visible Policing officers at OR Tambo International Airport, Customs officials and Menzies Aviation staff.

The cocaine was found in cargo that arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, shortly after 1pm. Officers seized the 95kg shipment before it could leave the airport.

No arrests have been made, but police have launched an investigation to identify and arrest those behind the attempted drug smuggling operation.

SAPS said the successful operation highlights its ongoing efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling. Police added that they will continue working with law enforcement partners to protect South Africa's borders and ports of entry from criminal exploitation.
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