The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the operation occurred from 28 to 31 August and involved law enforcement teams from both countries participating actively in compliance inspections, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, borderline foot and vehicle patrols, and farm visits.

Vehicle checkpoints on the Witdraai and Van Zylsrus roads resulted in 294 vehicles and 589 individuals being stopped and searched.

The operation further led to the arrest of four suspects for drug related offences and contraventions of the Immigration Act, with court appearances expected soon.

Mandrax and khat with an estimated value of R900 were seized, while fines amounting to R7 200 were issued for contraventions of the Road Traffic, Liquor and Animal Identification Acts.

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“We are pleased to announce that the floodwaters have now subsided, allowing for an assessment of the port infrastructure,” Masiapato said.

Masiapato said a thorough inspection was conducted by experts from various engineering disciplines to determine the extent of the damage caused by the flooding.

According to Masiapato, following the assessment conducted at the port of entry, a comprehensive project plan has been developed to address the necessary repairs and ensure the port’s readiness for operational resumption.

The key activities in the project plan include the repairing of identified damages to the port infrastructure. Water quality tests will also need to be conducted to ensure the environment is safe for operations.

Masiapato said water underground will need to be allowed to be completely dry in order to carry the weight of the cargo trucks that pass through the port.

“It is anticipated that the repair and restoration process will take approximately six days to complete.

“Upon completion of these activities, the Groblers Bridge port of entry will be fully operational, resuming its critical role in facilitating cross-border movement and trade between South Africa and Botswana,” Masiapato said.

The BMA remains committed to ensuring the safety and functionality of all ports of entry, recognising their importance in enabling economic activity and connectivity.

Masiapato said the BMA is in continuous engagement with its counterparts in Botswana at all times on these matters and further updates will be provided as progress is made.

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The symposium is part of Bell’s commitment to the African market, which continues to grow in strategic importance for the company. “With more than 65 active public safety helicopters in Africa, Bell recognizes the increasing demand for versatile, reliable aircraft to support law enforcement, humanitarian missions, and economic development,” the company said.

“Africa’s diverse geography, rugged terrain, vast distances, and evolving infrastructure require advanced rotorcraft capable of operating in challenging environments, making Bell’s vertical lift solutions an essential asset for the region. Its proven commercial aircraft are long established across the African continent, supporting generations of pilots on their various missions, comfortably navigating hot and high conditions, as well as other demanding weather scenarios and terrains. It is unsurprising that Bell platforms have earned the status of trusty workhorses, easily deployed at a moment’s notice – a particularly important quality in law enforcement and emergency response,” the company said in a statement after the symposium.

Bell’s Regional Sales Manager, Lynette Loosen, along with Bell’s independent representative from National Airways Corporation, Gary Phillips, delivered key presentations on operational insights and the latest innovations in helicopter technology for public safety. Terry Miyauchi, Bell’s Public Safety Manager, highlighted the importance of “Safety Through Teamwork”. Bell’s invited Keynote Speaker, Dan Millon, from San Diego, California, shared his experience and insight on “The Aviation Mindset”. Delegates were also addressed by representatives from Safran Helicopter Engines and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

An interactive roundtable discussion was welcomed by participants, allowing them to share their unique challenges and lessons learned in airborne policing and cross-pollination of best practices globally and within Africa.

“The Bell Symposium was a valuable event to attend. Our members got to partake in the round table discussion which covered all aspects from Normal Operating Procedures to Training and even Crew Resource Management. Such discussions help foster a culture of Aviation Safety, which will inevitably assist any agency to increase its productivity, save lives while maintaining a healthy working environment,” said Colonel Siba Tyu, Sub-Section Commander: Helicopters, Visible Policing and Operations, South African Police Service Air Wing.

The event was one of a series of symposiums hosted by Bell for various stakeholders in essential industries, such as law enforcement, to come together.

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