26 arrested in weekend raids in Eastern Cape

Loyiso Langeni

26 August 2015

Eastern Cape Police said they have arrested more than 20 people over the past weekend during Operation Fiela.

Approximately, 26 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from dealing and possession of drugs, to public violence.

Police have also arrested 21 foreign nationals without permits and another five with expired permits.

Police Spokesperson Sibongile Soci said the community of KwaNobuhle was surprised to find the area saturated by law enforcement agencies and realised that Operation Fiela was in town. Search warrants were obtained to search several identified premises, upon searching a house in Oscar Mpeta Street, Kwanobuhle, a 31-year-old man was arrested for possession of Mandrax tablets valued at over R57 000, 00.

“In another drug spot in Bantom Road, police seized Mandrax tablets to the street value of R25 000, 00 and a large amount of cash.

A 51-year-old was also arrested in possession of Mandrax tablets valued R6 000, 00.” Soci added.

Soci also said three motorists, aged between 22 and 36, were arrested for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, while more than 120 traffic fines to the value of R42 300, 00 were issued for offences varying from driving a motor vehicle without a licence to driving vehicles that were not roadworthy.