23/03/2026
Police have reported significant breakthroughs following a high-intensity, multi-disciplinary policing initiative across the Free State. Under the banner of , law enforcement arrested a total of 1,356 suspects over the past week, specifically targeting illicit contraband, vehicle crimes, and illegal fi****ms.
The operations successfully addressed drug-related crimes, the unlicensed and illegal possession of fi****ms, possession of stolen goods, possession of suspected stolen vehicles, and the apprehension of illegal immigrants.
During the operation, 36,580 persons were searched and 12,321 vehicles were inspected at various vehicle control points and roadblocks. Additionally, 855 premises were searched during tracking and tracing operations conducted in collaboration with Detective Services.
Various items were seized as evidence, including ammunition, precious stones, and drugs such as Nyaope, Khat, and Mandrax. These seizures followed a high-intensity operation by the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit at a house in Heidedal on Friday, 20 March 2026. This two-hour sting resulted in multiple arrests for drug dealing, illegal possession of ammunition, and robbery. Further drug-related arrests were made in Kroonstad, where Dagga and Crystal M**h were confiscated.
In Parkweg, police efforts to curb the illegal trade of precious minerals continued to yield positive results. On Sunday, 22 March 2026, members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit successfully apprehended a 39-year-old male suspect in possession of an uncertified precious stone.
In Kroonstad on Sunday, 22 March 2026, a 47-year-old woman was arrested for the possession of suspected stolen livestock after two sheep carcasses were found hidden in her house.
In the Amelia section of Zamdela on Sunday, 22 March 2026, an intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of a 47-year-old male for possession of suspected stolen property. Corrugated iron sheets and ceiling panels belonging to a school were discovered in his home.
In an effort to curb Cash-in-Transit (CIT) robberies and ATM bombings, Vala Umgodi operators arrested three suspects and confiscated 60 explosive units. The suspects will appear in the Thabong Magistrate’s Court soon.
In Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, members of the Mangaung Metro Visible Policing Unit and the Bloemfontein Public Order Police conducted a roadblock as part of on the N1 National Road within the Navalsig precinct. The team arrested a male in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Other arrests included 238 suspects for assault, 72 suspects for possession of suspected stolen property, 67 suspects for possession of and dealing in drugs, 39 suspects for malicious damage to property, and 51 drivers for driving under the influence of liquor.
Traffic officials also issued 335 fines for various traffic infringements. Of the 1,356 total arrests, 324 were made specifically during crime detection operations.
https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=67603
