Border Bust as Soldiers Chase off Smugglers near Ficksburg, Free State.

01 May 2026 | From Arrive Alive


Members of Bravo Company, Platoon 3 from 10 South African Infantry Battalion were out on a Routine Patrol In The Ficksburg Border Area when things took an interesting turn.

Border Bust as soldiers chase off smugglers near Ficksburg, Free State.

Members of Bravo Company, Platoon 3 fro 10 SA Infantry Battalion were out on a routine patrol in the Ficksburg border area when things took an interesting turn.

The Team, led by Lance Corporal M.A. Mpogeng, the Second-In-Command of Charlie Section, together with Scout Autata, was busy covering Hotspot Areas along the River behind the Port of Entry Taxi Rank. This Area is well known for Illegal Crossings between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

While moving through the area, the soldiers came across six boxes packed with branded clothing. As soon as the suspects noticed the soldiers, they didn’t stick around — they dropped everything and ran across the river into Lesotho. No arrests were made, but the goods were left behind.

What Was Recovered? A Mix of High-End Fashion Items Including Clothes, Sneakers, Belts, Caps, and Handbags from Well-Known Designer Brands.

The Total Estimated Value Of The Recovered Goods Is R1 984 500.00 — A Big Win For The Team On Patrol.

All Items Were Secured on Site and later handed over to the South African Police Service for investigation and Processing under Lost and Found procedures.

The South African National Defence Force, through the 10 South African Infantry Battalion, continues to work hard on Border Safeguarding Operations. Together with Other Law Enforcement Agencies, They Remain Committed to Stopping Illegal Activities and Protecting the Borders of the Republic of South Africa
Information by Private N. Julindlombe and Photographs by Scout Autata || Joint Operations Tactical Headquarters Free State.

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#JointOperationsDivision
#JointOperationsFreeState

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