No room for criminals to hide

The operation saw the search of 2 509 people, 1 104 vehicles and 25 premises.

April 23, 2021

Brakpan Herald 1 minute read

An axe found in a vehicle is thoroughly checked over by an officer from the Gauteng Traffic Police.

Police made their presence in Brakpan known last Thursday during an Okae Molao Operation in the area.

Meaning “Where is the law?”, the anti-crime operation was conducted in four phases, with an emphasis on vehicle checks, second-hand goods, liquor outlets and illegal mining.

The operation was conducted by SAPS members stationed within Ekurhuleni Zone 2, EMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police and various other law-enforcement agencies.

It was headed by SAPS provincial commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela, deputy provincial commissioner Maj Gen Tommy Mthombeni and Brakpan SAPS station commander Brig Fredl Jonck.

Gauteng Community Safety MEC Faith Mazibuko also joined the operation and interacted with motorists during the checks at roadblocks held at locations along the N17 highway and Heidelberg Road (R23).

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Officers were checking for compliance with level one Covid-19 regulations, roadworthiness of motor vehicles and transportation of illegal goods.

The SAPS Airwing Unit monitored the activities from the sky. More than 30 arrests were made for various offences, including possession of illegal substances, possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles, illegal immigrants, illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen metals.

Traffic fines worth R46 700 were issued and 12 fines valued at R23 500 were handed to offenders for contravening the Second-hand Goods Act.

Six illegal shebeens were closed and liquor from these premises was confiscated. Also, two vehicles were impounded and police recovered ammunition for an R1 rifle and a .38 special revolver.

Capt Pearl van Staad, the spokesperson for the Brakpan SAPS, told the Herald the operation saw the search of 2 509 people, 1 104 vehicles and 25 premises.

Mawela congratulated Ekurhuleni Zone 2 SAPS for their cooperation and teamwork. Brakpan police thanked Carnival City for the use of their premises and facilities, as well as for providing refreshments.

Pick n Pay Mall@Carnival was also recognised for their donation of bottled water to officers and officials on the day.