As part of ongoing efforts to combat rising crime across the district, the SAPS on June 4 launched simultaneous high-visibility operations in Reiger Park and Actonville aimed at tackling illegal firearms, illegal mining, undocumented immigration, drug-related crime, and gang violence.

As officers continued with the operation, the district deputy commissioner also fielded questions from our sister newspaper, Boksburg Advertiser, on some of the community’s biggest concerns, including recent mass shootings, illegal mining activities, and preparations for the planned June 30 anti-illegal immigration march.

The multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela, led by Ekurhuleni District Deputy Commissioner Brigadier David Ngcobo, together with senior SAPS management and various law enforcement agencies, including EMPD, Gauteng Traffic, security companies, as well as the Department of Home Affairs, conducted raids, roadblocks, compliance inspections and suspect tracing operations throughout the affected areas.

A total of 268 suspects were arrested in the districtwide operation.

In Reiger Park and Actonville alone, the operation yielded significant results. Police arrested 38 undocumented foreign nationals, issued 55 traffic fines amounting to R45 700, impounded three vehicles (a Polo, a truck and a minibus), and shut down five illegal shebeens.

Additional arrests included suspects for possession of ammunition, possession and dealing in drugs, possession of dagga and mandrax, theft of a motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Crime Intelligence-led operations before the main deployment also resulted in the arrest of a suspect found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Among the arrested suspects, 212 were nabbed by the detectives across the district. Of these suspects, 147 were linked to contact crimes and 44 GBV cases. Police indicated that at least 42 suspects were wanted for serious offences.

“We are continuing with these operations in different parts across the district,” said Ngcobo.

Members of SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit wrap up the operation with crime awareness campaigns in both Reiger Park and Actonville areas.

Community Imbizos were also conducted to allow community members to raise their concerns regarding policing and crime-related issues.

The acting district commissioner praised the teams for making a profound in crime prevention as well as protecting the citizens in the district.

Reiger Park remains a priority

Ngcobo explained that Reiger Park remains a key focus area due to its high levels of contact crimes, including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), murder, and carjacking.

“The multidisciplinary sweeps and integrated operations entail raids, roadblocks and the tracing of wanted suspects,” he said.

During the operation, Ngcobo also addressed several issues of concern affecting communities across the district, including recent gang-related shootings in Reiger Park, efforts to combat illegal mining, and police preparedness for the planned June 30 anti-illegal immigration demonstrations.

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Progress on Reiger Park shootings

Speaking to this newspaper, Ngcobo also addressed ongoing investigations into recent mass shootings in Reiger Park.

“We have deployed members of the Anti-Gang Unit. So far, no arrests have been made, but with the ongoing investigations, we are of the view that in the near future we will make arrests,” he said.

Illegal mining under scrutiny

On the issue of illegal mining, which continues to affect several communities across Gauteng, Ngcobo said dedicated teams are working daily to address the problem.

“In terms of illegal mining, we are busy addressing those issues. We have put together a team dealing with those matters on a daily basis,” he said.

Police preparing for possible June 30 shutdown

Ngcobo also commented on police preparations for the anticipated nationwide demonstrations planned for June 30 by groups campaigning against undocumented immigration.

“In terms of illegal immigrants, we are already making arrests and have arrested 31 undocumented people in this operation alone. They will be processed accordingly,” he said.

“Regarding the 30th of June, the police are busy with operational planning, and national structures are also addressing the matter. By then, everybody will be ready. As we are planning, I don’t think something drastic will happen on that day.”

Calls grow for stricter immigration enforcement

Several anti-illegal immigration groups and community activists, including the movement known as ‘March and March’, have called on the government to take stronger action against undocumented immigration.

The groups have reportedly given the state until June 30 to deal decisively with undocumented migrants, threatening a nationwide shutdown should their demands not be met.

Their demands include increased deportations, stricter border controls and stronger enforcement of immigration laws.

The planned demonstrations follow a series of protests held in various parts of the country, where participants have accused the government of failing to adequately enforce immigration legislation and of not doing enough to address concerns about crime, employment competition and pressure on public services.

Police have urged communities to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to continue their work while maintaining public order and safety.

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