The police arrested just under a hundred suspects during an O Kale Molao operation in Khutsong last week.
“We are here to restore law and order while stamping the state’s authority on the area. Let us refrain from all corrupt activities and conduct ourselves with dignity as guided by the Constitution. O Kae Molao aims to prioritise the safety and security of residents and not to harass or steal from them,” said the West Rand SAPS area commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana. He addressed the morning parade at the Khutsong Police Station before the operation on Thursday, 6 October. The action started at 06:00 and ended at 15:00.
During this time, 99 suspects were arrested for various crimes.
According to the SAPS communication officer, Sgt Reginald Moshe, 42 illegal immigrants were detained, while 16 suspects were apprehended for assault GBH (assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm).
Other arrests were for robbery, assault, house robbery, theft out of a motor vehicle, the possession of drugs, theft, malicious damage to property, contravening a protection order, dealing in illicit cigarettes and cosmetics, contravening the Pharmaceutical Act, violating parole conditions, dealing in dagga and counterfeit goods and dealing in liquor without a licence. A traffic fine was also issued.
“The main focus of the operation was on roadblocks, contact crimes, serious and violent crimes, illegal liquor outlets, illegal mining and tracing suspects,” says Moshe.
The Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Traffic Police, Merafong City Local Municipality traffic officers and the CPF assisted.
Those arrested appeared before the Carletonville and Khutsong magistrate’s court.