Seven suspects arrested in Germiston for allegedly smuggling drugs

Seven drug smugglers were arrested in Germiston with the help of AfriForum Germiston neighbourhood watch on October 3.

A significant amount of drugs were confiscated.

AfriForum said this sent a clear message to drug smugglers and emphasised that there is no place for drugs and other forms of criminal acts in this community.

According to Jurie Ferreira, district coordinator of AfriForum’s East Rand region, neighbourhood watch members recently responded to an alleged incident of domestic violence where gunshots were heard.

ALSO READ: Police in a shootout with illegal miners, one suspect killed and six arrested

“A victim was found at the scene with head and stab wounds to the back.

“A neighbourhood watch member investigated the scene and found that the suspects allegedly fled in a stolen vehicle. A team was mobilised to locate the suspects and the vehicle,” said Ferreira.

During this investigation, a separate incident was reported the next day near one of the addresses monitored by the neighbourhood watch.

The neighbourhood watch team acted immediately, in collaboration with the local security firm Mamba Security and SAPS Primrose, after which three suspects were arrested.

“The stolen vehicle was found and a large amount of drugs and weapons were seized. This swift action also led to the arrest of four more suspects by the police.”

Ferreira said the excellent cooperation between the AfriForum neighbourhood watch, police and private security confirmed that communities must work together to achieve success in community safety.

ALSO READ: Man arrested for possession of drugs in Germiston

He also praised the neighbourhood watch’s purposeful actions, determination and excellent insight during the investigation.

The Germiston branch calls on the community to get involved and join their local safety structures.

Ferreira said cooperation between all stakeholders is of crucial importance to ensure a safer community.