NOORDWESTER – VENTERSDORP - The ongoing Vala Umgodi operations in the province led to the arrest of 22 suspects between Thursday, 20 and Sunday, 23 February, for contravention of Section 49 (1) (a) of the Immigration Act, 2002.
Of the 22 suspects, nine were nabbed in Tlhabane, five in Mabeskraal, five in Mooinooi and four in Mogwase. They comprise of Mozambiquan, Zimbabwean, Ethiopian, Lesotho, Malawi and Pakistan foreign nationals, as well as a South African.
In the operations conducted in Mahikeng, Ventersdorp and Tlhabane, police confiscated counterfeit goods of different brands that included clothes, backpacks, cigarettes, an assortment of takkies, sneakers and many more - worth R3.4 million. All suspects were expected to appear in the Magistrates’ Courts in Mogwase, Bafokeng in Tlhabane and Brits.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng hailed the team for their continuous efforts in the fight against illicit economic activities.
