The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gelvandale, together with other SAPS units, the Municipal Police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and the Department of Immigration, achieved notable successes during coordinated operations conducted under Operation Identity on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, between 09:00 and 16:00. The operation focused primarily on the Korsten business area in Gqeberha.
The operation comprised several strategic interventions, including:
- Compliance inspections of second-hand goods dealers to identify and recover suspected stolen property, such as televisions, laptops, and cellular phones.
- Execution of search warrants at identified drug outlets, targeting the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics.
- Enforcement of municipal by-laws and traffic regulations, including the issuing of fines for non-compliance.
- Roadblocks aimed at detecting the possession of stolen property, illegal firearms, and drugs.
- Arrest of undocumented individuals.
- Crime prevention activities, including stop-and-search operations of vehicles and pedestrians.
These coordinated efforts resulted in the arrest of 22 undocumented individuals. Law enforcement officials also issued fines totalling R27 000-00 for 38 traffic violations.
In addition, authorities confiscated counterfeit goods valued at approximately R160 500 as well as found property (fibre cables) valued at about R1 170-00.
As part of efforts to enhance visibility and community safety, officers conducted high-visibility patrols and visits to key locations such as ATMs, banks, taxi ranks, shopping centres, schools, and identified crime hotspots.
The South African Police Service remains committed to strengthening operations under Operation Identity to combat crime, enforce the law, and ensure the safety and security of all communities.
