GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - A joint operation A Ukangelo Lwezigebengu (finding the criminals), was held in the Southern Cape during the past weekend, July 29 - August 1.

This operation, spearheaded by the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Marine and Coastal Management and the Organised Crim unit (the Hawks) resulted in 514 vehicles being stopped at two of the many, roadblocks on the N2 highway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Fifty-one of these vehicles received fines totaling R18 800.

In a roadblock at the Plover and N2 intersection on Thursday, July 29 212 vehicles were stopped and the drivers of 24 of these were issued fines worth R12 800. Two drivers were found to be driving without valid driver’s licences and another two people were arrested for the illegal possession of Cannibas (dagga).

George Rex Drive
On Friday, July 30 at a roadblock on George Rex Drive, a resident noticed a helicopter landing and Defence Force personnel boarding the chopper. There were also police officers and sniffer dogs present. Captain Malcolm Pojie, SAPS provincial communication and liaison officer, explained that this formed part of Operation A Ukangelo Lwezibebengu. Two houses in Hornlee were searched. "One suspect was arrested and 1.9grams of dagga was confiscated. The suspect paid an admission of guilt fine of R200 and was released."

Rheenendal roadblock
Personnel manning a roadblock near Rheenendal seized liquor with an estimated value of R10 000.
"The liquor was seized after a bottle store licence holder, from Conville in George, contravened conditions attached to his licence," explained Captain Pojie.

Unrelated arrests in Knysna
Captain Pojie provided the figures of arrests made in Knysna over the July 30 - August 1, weekend as:
*Public Drunkennes - 50.
*Riotous Behaviour - 32.
*Driving under the influence of alchol - 4.
*Possession of suspected stolen property - 9.
*Possession of Drugs - 10.

The law
In terms of the implementation of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 an officer is empowered to stop, search, inspect or test a vehicle so as to ensure that all the provisions of the act are complied with.
According to Constable Chris Spies, Knysna SAPS communication officer, the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 empowers a member of the Police to conduct a full search of "yourself, your vehicle and any load" during a roadblock.

Article: Fran Kirsten, Knysna-Plett Herald, sister newspaper of the George Herald.


A chopper lands alongside George Rex Drive, and picks up National Defence Force personnel during Operation A Ukangelo Lwezigebengu on Friday, July 29.