Operation Okae Molao aims to eradicate crime in Kempton Park

Walking through Pretoria road and a few others in Kempton Park, Police had no shock to how many 'innocent immigrants' closed themselves in their shops avoiding engagement with law enforcement lead by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

January 26, 2023

Atlegang Makgoba 1 minute read

Provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela engages with business owners and employees during Operation Okae Molao.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela lead a multidisciplinary operation, Okae Molao, in Kempton Park on January 19.

ALSO READ: Mawela joins Operation Okae Molao in CBD

The operation was joined by senior management of Kempton Park SAPS, EMPD, the Johannesburg Tactical Response Team(TRT), Siyabangena community in blue (CPF) and the Home Affairs Immigration Unit.

The men and women in blue set up a roadblock at Voortrekker Road and later continued through some parts of Kempton Park CBD.

Among other things, police members raided liquor outlets and drug havens in Kempton Park. During the operation, 57 undocumented persons were arrested.

SAPS officials checked documentations of foreign business owners as well as operation permits during Operation Okae Molao.

Five unroadworthy vehicles were impounded and two positively identified stolen vehicles were recovered. Those who drove stolen cars were arrested.

Two people were arrested for dealing in drugs, and one person was apprehended for possession of drugs.
Owners in many stores in the CBD were closed as word spread of the police sweep.

ALSO READ: More than 200 arrested during Operation Okae Molao in Thembisa

Four second-hand dealerships were closed down as they did not have the required documentation.

Three unlicensed liquor outlets were closed down, alcohol removed and those dealing in alcohol without the necessary paperwork were also arrested.

According to Mawela, the operation stems from a noticed influx of illegal immigrants in Kempton Park, a rise in criminal activity and an infestation of drugs and lawlessness.

Undocumented foreign nationals and residents found in possession of drugs were apprehended during Operation Okae Molao.

Mawela said that Gauteng provincial police in an integrated manner began the operation provincially where 1 068 wanted suspects were arrested.

He said of those arrested 19 were found in Kempton Park.

ALSO READ: Okae Molao Operation yields over 200 arrests in Ekurhuleni area

“We believe that criminality in this area is gradually taking over so our objective was to reclaim the space for citizens and ensure that they live in peace.”

A police officer does a thorough search of shops, checking for drugs, operation permits and passports of foreign nationals.

He added that the successes of the day were commendable, however, he believes SAPS can do more.

“The operation was not a day that has gone to waste. If we did not come here and do what we did then those who we arrested would still be out roaming our streets.”

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