Property-related crimes, theft of bicycles on the rise

House break-ins, theft of bicycles and motorbikes have been on the rise since last month.

December 4, 2023

Lebohang Pita 1 minute read

Gauteng police commissioner general Elias Mawela.

Residents have been warned of a spike in property-related crimes, including burglaries and theft of motorbikes and bicycles in the Greater Benoni area.

This was revealed by the provincial deputy commissioner for policing, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, during the integrated operation shanela, led by provincial commissioner Elisa Mawela, in Daveyton on November 16.

Gauteng police commissioner General Elias Mawela with his provincial deputies, Major General Tommy Mthombei (left) and Major General Mbuso Khumalo (right) with EMPD commissioner Jabulani Mapiyeye.

Mthombeni urged residents to be aware of this trend noticed last month, adding that those who enjoy outdoor activities like cycling should do so in groups.

Relaying the successes of the operation, which began on November 16 in various areas across the province, Mthombeni said they arrested 1 072 suspects and their work with officials at the ports yielded a total conviction of 33 years last week.

Acting district commissioner brigadier Lebohang Machakela.

In Daveyton, 42 illegal immigrants were arrested while four suspects were nabbed for dealing in drugs.

A total of four illegal shebeens were shut down while four second-hand goods were closed and issued with fines to the value of R4 000.

Street imbizo

Mthombeni, accompanied by colleagues including the acting Ekurhuleni commissioner brigadier Lebohang Machakela, led a street imbizo in the Gabon informal settlement to engage community members.

According to provincial spokesperson colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, this was to strengthen community relations towards a safer province for all.

“Community members raised their concerns and asked questions relating to crimes affecting them, which were answered by the Daveyton SAPS station commander and acting district commissioner.

The community of Gabon informal settlement listens to provincial and regional SAPS personnel during the street imbizo.

“Major-generals Mthombeni and Mbuso Khumalo (deputy provincial commissioner for crime detection) also addressed the community and encouraged them to work together with the police by reporting any criminal activities to their nearest police station,” said Nevhuhulwi.

The contacts of the Daveyton SAPS station commander and station management were also shared with the community.

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