Law-enforcement agencies of the West Rand conducted an intense operation on 14 March, and more than 300 suspects were arrested.
The operation, called O Kae Molao, started in Randfontein in the early morning hours and was led by the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura; the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane; and the Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, General Elias Mawela.
The operations focused on the Kagiso, Westonaria, Bekkersdal, Randfontein and Krugersdorp precincts. Two roadblocks were set up – one on the N12 and one on the R28.
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Firearms, ammunition and Eskom cables worth R1,2 million were recovered.
One of the operations’ main focus was illegal mining in the West Rand area.
“Perpetrators kidnap unsuspecting victims and use them as illegal miners underground,” said a statement from the office of the Provincial Commissioner.
The police managed to arrest suspects in this regard as well as recover unlicensed firearms and illegal mining equipment.
Various Visible Policing teams, West Rand K9 Unit, Flying Squad, Crime Intelligence, Crime Detection, Organised Crime Units, the Gauteng Traffic Department, Rand West Public Safety and community patrollers were involved in these operations. They were also supported by the South African Revenue Service, Home Affairs and Environmental Health.
The teams set up road blocks, tracked wanted suspects, raided illegal liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, and also performed stops and searches.
“As these joint operations gain momentum towards stamping the authority of the state and reclaiming the streets of Gauteng, Operation O Kae Molao will continue until crime is brought to its lowest levels, and the inhabitants of the Province are and feel safe all the time. At the same time Gauteng has made major breakthroughs in various high-level crimes and I thank the dedicated men and women in blue,” said Mawela.
Nkosi-Malobane also commended the police for the good work. “I applaud the work of the law-enforcement agencies in this joint operation to root out criminal elements in our society. Their zeal and work are commendable and I hope they will maintain this momentum throughout,” said the MEC.
The arrested suspects will appear in various magistrates’ courts in due course, facing charges ranging from possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of drugs, business robbery and fraud.
