The tools of crime met their end on August 6 as Reiger Park police destroyed a mountain of confiscated equipment linked to illegal mining, as well as illicit cigarettes, drugs and alcohol recovered during months of targeted operations against criminals.

The destruction took place at a business in Witfield and formed part of the station’s ongoing efforts to remove crime-related items from circulation.

Speaking during the operation, Reiger Park SAP13 (Exhibits) manager Sergeant Nathi Mokwana said the destroyed items had been confiscated during police operations conducted between May 1 and July 31 across the precinct.

“Most of the items are equipment used by illegal miners. We recovered them during regular operations conducted with the CPF, Mapogo Security, Gauteng Community Safety Wardens and other law enforcement partners,” said Mokwana.

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Among the equipment destroyed were water pumps, pickaxes, shovels, spades and wheelbarrows used by illegal miners operating mainly in the old mining area along Commission Street and St Anthony’s Road in Reiger Park.

Police also destroyed illicit cigarettes, dagga and grocery items recovered from suspects following the looting of shops during anti-illegal immigration protests in the area.
Mokwana said police had made significant progress in tackling crime during the three months.

According to police statistics:

• About 67 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested.
• Forty-two motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Three firearms were recovered.
• Twelve people were arrested for the unlawful possession of ammunition.
• Thirty-five suspects were arrested in connection with illicit cigarettes after police confiscated 10,940 cigarette sticks.
• A total of 27 470ml of alcohol seized from unlicensed taverns was destroyed after police shut down 10 unlicensed shebeens.
• Police arrested 105 suspects for drug-related offences and confiscated 115.095g of drugs, including dagga.

Mokwana credited the successes to strong partnerships between SAPS, community organisations and private security companies.

“These successes did not come easily, especially with the gangsterism we are facing in Reiger Park.

Through our partnerships with stakeholders, we are making strides in removing unlicensed firearms, dangerous substances and other crime-related items from our streets. We are also targeting the sources of crime, including unlicensed shebeens and drug dealing.”

He said police had identified the Ramaphosa and Joe Slovo informal settlements as hotspots for unlicensed liquor outlets linked to violent crime.

“Many assault cases, robberies and other contact crimes originate from these unlicensed taverns. We are also concerned about rape cases involving women leaving taverns that continue operating beyond their legal trading hours.”

Mokwana said police have identified the problem areas and continue to target them through regular compliance inspections and crime prevention operations.

“We also inspect licensed liquor outlets to ensure they comply with their operating conditions because some continue trading beyond the permitted hours.

“As station management, together with all our operational teams, we remain committed to responding to community concerns and doing everything possible to reduce crime in our area.”

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