A major multi-disciplinary operation on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of a factory owner for the alleged illegal possession of suspected stolen property, specifically fabric used to manufacture South African National Defence Force (SANDF) uniforms.
The operation, which targeted six clothing manufacturing factories in the Phuthaditjhaba area, involved a coalition of government and law enforcement agencies. These included the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry, the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Public Order Policing, the K9 Unit, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). Various departments also participated, including Home Affairs, Social Development, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and the Department of Employment and Labour.
The 47-year-old factory owner was taken into custody after the illicit material was discovered on the premises. In a separate arrest, a 26-year-old male was detained for being in South Africa illegally.
The investigation was initiated after the National Bargaining Council for the Clothing Manufacturing Industry identified the six factories for potential non-compliance. These suspicions were later corroborated by Crime Intelligence, leading to the planning of the large-scale operation.
Beyond the arrests, the operation led to a significant number of compliance enforcements. Authorities issued several fines and notices for alleged contraventions across a wide spectrum of legislation. These included the Immigration Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, National Minimum Wage Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Companies Act, Customs and Excise Act, Co-operatives Act, and the Consumer Protection Act.
Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, and Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, have praised the successful collaboration. They commended the seamless cooperation between the various government departments and law enforcement units, reaffirming their joint commitment to eradicating crime within the province.
Both detained suspects are expected to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court soon to face the respective charges against them.