A coordinated intelligence-led operation in Qonce yesterday (30 July 2025) resulted in the arrest of a foreign national male for contravention of the Immigration Act and the discovery of a significant amount of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
The operation stemmed from information received by Qonce SAPS Crime Prevention members on Thursday, 24 July 2025. The intelligence indicated alleged criminal activities, including drug dealing, being conducted by foreign nationals at a specific house within the Qonce area.
Based on this intelligence, investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for the identified premises.
On Wednesday, 30 July 2025, the warrant was executed by a team comprising members of Crime Intelligence and Qonce Crime Prevention. Upon arrival, the team made contact with an individual at the premises and obtained permission to conduct the search.
During a search of a room occupied by a foreign national male, the team discovered a substantial amount of cash. The suspect was unable to provide a satisfactory account for the origin of the money or demonstrate a legitimate source of income justifying possession of such a sum. Furthermore, the suspect failed to produce any documentation legalizing his stay within the Republic of South Africa.
No illicit substances or other significant items were found during the search of the premises.
Consequently, the suspect was placed under arrest for Contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa (Failure to produce valid documentation). An investigation is underway into the contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) related to Money Laundering, specifically the possession of suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Qonce Magistrate’s Court in due course. The origin and intended use of the seized cash remain under active investigation.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape Major General Thandiswa Kupiso stated that this operation underscores the SAPS’s commitment to acting decisively on community intelligence and utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach to combat crime, including offenses related to illegal immigration and financial crimes. “We commend the vigilance of the community members who provided the initial information and the effective collaboration between the law enforcement units,” remarked Maj Gen Kupiso.
