Cross-border Police co-operation nets 21

THE Police chief of the Karas Region has applauded his South African counterparts for a job well done after they staged two successful operations in which 21 people were arrested.

Speaking during the regional Joint Technical Committee on Defence and Security meeting at Rosh Pinah at the end of last week, Deputy Commissioner Joseph Anghuwo said they had arrested 21 South Africans between January and March of whom 17 were illegal immigrants. The four others were held for the possession of dagga.The joint operation with South Africa also resulted in the arrest of three suspects in the armed robbery case at the Daberas Mine, 40 km from Oranjemund last year November, Anghuwo said.He said Police from Namibia and South Africa confiscated 77 fishing nets between Komsberg and Stolszenfels between January and March.A further 65 nets, two tubes, and seven long-lines were confiscated at Norotsama Lodge, 15 km west of Aussenkehr, at the same time.Anghuwo said the convention was a platform for identifying the training needs for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of police officers on both sides of the border.The Director of the South African Police for the Gordonia Area, Kolie Matthys, said at the meeting that illegal fishing and border crossing along the Orange River would be monitored and addressed through continued joint operations and policing.He said cross-border crime prevention would be stepped up, especially since South Africa was preparing to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.The four others were held for the possession of dagga.The joint operation with South Africa also resulted in the arrest of three suspects in the armed robbery case at the Daberas Mine, 40 km from Oranjemund last year November, Anghuwo said.He said Police from Namibia and South Africa confiscated 77 fishing nets between Komsberg and Stolszenfels between January and March.A further 65 nets, two tubes, and seven long-lines were confiscated at Norotsama Lodge, 15 km west of Aussenkehr, at the same time.Anghuwo said the convention was a platform for identifying the training needs for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of police officers on both sides of the border.The Director of the South African Police for the Gordonia Area, Kolie Matthys, said at the meeting that illegal fishing and border crossing along the Orange River would be monitored and addressed through continued joint operations and policing.He said cross-border crime prevention would be stepped up, especially since South Africa was preparing to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup.