Police in Gqeberha are searching for a suspect who managed to escape arrest after a large quantity of drugs was discovered during an operation in Cotswold.

Members of the Mount Road South African Police Service (SAPS) were conducting routine patrols in Woodpecker Street yesterday when they were flagged down by a private security company.

Police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana says the suspect, a foreign national, was previously searched by the security officers after his suspicious behaviour at a nearby storage facility triggered an alarm.

“Upon noticing the arrival of the SAPS members, the suspect dropped a black plastic bag and fled the scene by jumping over a high wall. He remains at large.”

Following a search of the storage locker and the bag left behind, a large consignment of drugs was found.

“Among the items seized were 217 grams of crack cocaine, 889.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine and 303 kilograms of compressed dagga.”

A red Mini Cooper believed to be linked to the suspect was also impounded during the operation.

The drugs have an estimated street value of around R2 million.

ActionSA MP Dereleen James has been criticised for broadcasting an alleged drug den raid in Lentegeur to Facebook last night, during which young children were identified, with an official SAPS investigation launched.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) prohibits the publication of any children’s images without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. This is further supported by the Children’s Act.

In a strongly worded statement, Bonteheuwel Ward councillor Angus McKenzie accused James of prioritising “social media spectacle over meaningful engagement”, while also questioning her authority in this matter.

He raised concerns that vulnerable children were exposed publicly.

“Those children, who had no role in the alleged actions of adults around them, were publicly exposed. Regardless of what may or may not have happened in that household, those children now carry a stigma that could follow them for years.”

James, however, maintains that her actions were aimed at protecting the at-risk children, as their primary caregivers are drug abusers, with groups of individuals frequently visiting the premises.

She has conceded that not enough care was taken to protect the identities of the children involved.

“As soon as this was flagged, my team took steps to better safeguard their identities. We will correct our approach to ensure that these processes are handled with the necessary care and responsibility.”

The original Facebook Live video is still on her page, with no measures taken to mask the children’s identities.

Six children were removed from the property. The Children’s Act permits emergency removals of children without a court order only if they are in immediate danger, and by a designated social worker or police officer.

In a statement addressed to the Department of Social Development this morning, James said she was confident that the operation was conducted in accordance with protocol, with the presence of SAPS and social workers.

MEC Jaco Londt says his department was not part of the planning or present during the raid, adding that after-hours social workers were only notified of the incident once the children arrived at the police station.

He confirmed that the six children have been placed in alternative care, with the Children’s Court now mandated to take the matter forward, where representations can be made by concerned parties, including parents or caregivers.

“It is also important to exercise caution in the coming months to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not politicised. The Department will continue to carry out its work as prescribed by legislation, and it is often safer and more effective to assist people without exposing them on social media.”

Councillor McKenzie further alleged that police resources were diverted for this “publicity stunt.”

“It is alleged that she forced the South African Police Service to accompany her to an alleged drug house. Three police vehicles were reportedly taken out of circulation in order to escort and protect her visit.”

Western Cape police have confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the raid involving the politician and SAPS members.

Colonel Andre Traut said police management had “taken note of scenes that unfolded” and that, in light of the concerns raised, a senior SAPS official has been appointed to probe the matter.

“SAPS remains committed to the protection of vulnerable members of society, and will continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure their safety.”

The Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum has issued a desperate plea to authorities to protect children as gang violence continues to terrorise the Cape Flats.

The call comes after a six-year-old girl was struck by a stray bullet in Valhalla Park earlier today. The child, caught in the crossfire of rival gangs, was shot in the head and is now hospitalised.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg says a case of attempted murder has since been launched.

“Bishop Lavis police responded to a complaint of a shooting in Eleanor Street, Valhalla Park. Upon arrival on the scene, they found a six-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound to her head. The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment. According to reports, the child was caught in the crossfire when rival gangs started shooting. The suspects fled the scene and have yet to be arrested.”

Chairperson of the Bishop Lavis Crime Prevention Forum, Graham Lindhorst, has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence.

“Since the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), crime has not subsided; in fact, we have seen an increase in fatal and mass shootings in different areas. We condemn what has happened, and we pray that the child survives this ordeal. The South African Police Service (SAPS) needs to do whatever they can to make sure that our children are always protected.”