The Hawks have seized approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of R36 million at the Durban Harbour.

The joint operation, through the Serious Organised Crime Investigation’s (SOCI) South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB), together with officials from Customs, the Durban Visible Policing Operations (VPO), and the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), was held on Saturday, 6 June.

Members of the SANEB Section attached to Durban SOCI were alerted by a Customs official, to suspected cocaine concealed within an excavator that had arrived at the Q and R Car Terminal aboard the vessel Neptune Ace Tokyo from Santos, Brazil.

Upon arrival, the scene was handed over to DPCI members by Customs officials.

A thorough inspection of the excavator revealed suspicious packages concealed within a panel leading to the engine compartment. Further examination resulted in the seizure of 47 blocks containing a powdered substance suspected to be cocaine.

While the first scene was being processed, Customs officials reported the discovery of a second concealment on another excavator that had already been offloaded from the vessel.

A subsequent inspection led to the seizure of an additional 43 blocks of suspected cocaine.

In total, approximately 90 kilograms of suspected cocaine were seized. Based on an estimated value of R400 000 per kilogram, the drugs have an approximate street value of R36 million.

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No arrests have been made at this stage, and the matter remains under investigation. The seized exhibits will be transported to the Forensic Science Laboratory for chemical analysis.

The acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, applauded the multidisciplinary team for their alertness and dedication.

“The DPCI remains committed to disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks and safeguarding South Africa’s ports of entry from organised criminal activities even when their integrity is under scrutiny”.

Three Chinese nationals have been arrested after police uncovered an illicit liquor operation in Paarl and confiscated alcohol valued at nearly R9.8 million.

The Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Policing Team, working with the Anti-Economic Crimes Task Team, acted on intelligence linking a Stellenbosch liquor outlet owner to a warehouse in Paarl.

Officers monitored the suspect’s movements on Thursday, 4 June, and followed a vehicle to the warehouse.

When police attempted to stop the vehicle after it left the premises, the driver sped off, leading officers on a high-speed chase.

The driver eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot but was later arrested. Two other occupants were detained at the scene.

A search of the vehicle and warehouse uncovered large quantities of illicit liquor. The suspects are expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court once formally charged.

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Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has commended the Western Cape Liquor Authority, the Police, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for the successful bust.

“This successful operation highlights the critical role played by the Western Cape Liquor Authority in protecting lawful trade, promoting compliance within the liquor industry, and supporting efforts to combat illicit economic activity. The vigilance and professionalism displayed by WCLA inspectors demonstrate the importance of proactive regulatory oversight in identifying criminal conduct that may otherwise go undetected.”

Marais noted that illicit liquor trading not only deprives the fiscus of vital revenue but also poses significant risks to consumer safety and undermines law-abiding businesses operating within the liquor sector.

It follows a similar incident in late May, where police seized over R3 million of illicit alcohol in Eerste River. One Chinese national was arrested during the operation.

Police in the Western Cape have launched an investigation into a triple murder following a shooting in Lower Crossroads, Philippi East, on Saturday evening.

According to police, three adult men were sitting at a fruit and vegetable stall outside a home in Ntloyiya Street when they were attacked at around 19:05.

Three unidentified suspects allegedly approached the premises and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

The victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.

Detectives from the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Unit are investigating the case. The motive for the attack remains unknown and no arrests have been made.

Police say officers have increased visibility in the area to maintain stability, prevent further violence and deter possible retaliatory attacks.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

The Western Cape Government has confirmed that one fatality has occurred in the Garden Route after an individual attempted to cross a flooded river. This was amid the Orange level 8 warning for disruptive rainfall over the Garden Route from Wednesday, 3 June, into Thursday, 4 June.

Authorities have again appealed to residents not to cross flooded rivers or roads, warning that these conditions remain extremely dangerous. Officials also confirmed that the worst of the weather system has passed, with conditions clearing across most affected regions.

The Western Cape Government says authorities continue to closely monitor the impact of the severe weather system affecting residents in parts of the province.

Provincial disaster management teams, emergency services and municipalities are reportedly fully activated and on high alert.

The Garden Route District Municipality has confirmed that 93 community members were precautionarily evacuated from De Rust and Welgeluk as persistent rainfall continues. The municipality added that evacuated residents remain accommodated at the Toekomsrus Community Hall, where support continues to be provided.

Eskom also reported persistent power outages in parts of the Garden Route, including Harkerville and Covie in the Bitou municipal area, as well as Sedgefield and Karatara in Knysna. Eskom and municipal teams continue to work on restoring the electricity supply to affected communities.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said authorities remain focused on protecting communities and responding to incidents as they arise.

According to the SAWS, rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with conditions forecast to begin clearing later this afternoon.

The Disaster Management Centre has advised that the N1 is currently closed at Leeu Gamka due to flooding, with no safe alternative route available at this stage.

Residents are urged to avoid flooded roads and low-water crossings, limit non-essential travel in affected areas, stay clear of rivers and bridges, and follow updates issued through official government and municipal communication channels.

“The situation remains stable, but conditions can change rapidly as the weather system continues to move through the affected areas. We urge residents to remain vigilant, heed all warnings, and avoid taking unnecessary risks,” Minister Bredell said.

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