Kempton Park SAPS, CPF strike crime hotspots in joint operation
A multi-agency crime blitz in Kempton Park saw over 40 arrests for drug possession, immigration violations, and more.
The Kempton Park Community Police Forum (CPF), in partnership with Kempton Park SAPS and several private security companies, recently conducted a large-scale crime prevention operation.
The operation targeted key hotspot areas, including the Kempton Park CBD, informal settlements in Brentwood Park, and bars and clubs in Kempton Park Extensions 1 to 4.
Its objective was to curb rising crime by apprehending illegal immigrants, drug dealers, and individuals involved in other criminal activities.
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Kempton Park CPF public relations officer, Izelle van den Berg, said the operation also aimed to reinforce the working relationship between the CPF and SAPS, while responding to ongoing community concerns.
“One of the reasons behind this operation is to strengthen the relationship between SAPS and the Community Police Forum members,” said van den Berg.
“An increase in reported criminal activities and concerns raised by the community prompted the need for a coordinated effort to restore law and order in the area.”
The collaborative effort involved CPF sectors from multiple precincts including Kempton Park, Norkem Park, Bedfordview, Benoni, Edenvale, Boksburg, Sebenza, Ivory Park, and Tembisa, along with officers from the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Services.
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According to Kempton Park SAPS Colonel Obed Mashalane, over 40 individuals were arrested during the operation for various offenses, including dealing and possession of drugs, and immigration violations.
“We arrested over 40 people during the operation,” said Colonel Mashalane. “One person was arrested for dealing and possession of drugs, two for drug possession, and 44 undocumented individuals were apprehended.”
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Items confiscated included:
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Plastic containing dagga and R50 cash
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A golf stick and a panga knife
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Pokes of dagga and five cases of liquor
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17 sachets containing dagga
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Three cellphones
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One sachet of crystal meth
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Three sachets of rock (cocaine-based drug)
Private security companies that participated included SecPros, SSS Security, Praesidium, DLT, Vhumba Risk Services, Alpha Security, Hlasela Tactical, Mamba Security, Fidelity ADT, Himax, R&D Risk Services, and Super Cops Security.
Ward 16 councillor, Jacobus Terblanche, praised the operation, highlighting the positive impact such actions have on public trust and safety.
“To build on this success, I suggest ensuring all dockets opened during the operation are prioritised on the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court roll,” said Terblanche.
“Regular operations like this can help win the trust of the community and combat crime effectively. I commend everyone involved in this operation. The collaboration between CPF, security companies, SAPS, and the community is a step in the right direction.”
The operation showcased the effectiveness of unified efforts in crime prevention and community safety, setting a strong precedent for future initiatives.
