The Hekpoort Police say they made a total of 37 arrests during October.
“The arrests were made during different operations that were conducted, investigations by detectives and as a result of information that was received by the community and followed up by our members,” said a statement from the Hekpoort Police spokesperson, Constable Gloria Maswanganye.
During joint operations that were conducted with other law enforcement agencies, community patrollers and private security companies on the R24, they also recovered drugs and stolen property.
Maswanganye said that they also arrested suspects for crimes like rape, malicious damage to property, culpable homicide, and driving under the influence of liquor, as well as a number of undocumented foreign nationals.
“Several shebeens were closed, liquor confiscated and fines issued for illegally dealing in liquor,” she continued.
There were also several cases of robbery and livestock theft, but these were only reported several days after the crimes occurred.
“Acting station commander at Hekpoort, Warrant Officer Botties Botma is appealing to the community to report such cases as soon as possible in order for the police to start with the investigation immediately, to ensure a better chance of tracing the suspects,” she explained.
The longer the delay in reporting the case, the less the possibility of achieving success becomes.
Warrant Officer Botma also asked livestock owners to mark their livestock properly and according to the Animal Identification Act 6 of 2002. This means branding or tattooing the animals.
The statement continued, saying that arson, burglaries and armed robberies were also reported at the police station during October and that police members are working round the clock to locate all the suspects and bring them to book.
“Community members are also urged to report any criminal activities they may have witnessed to the police, anonymously if they prefer. The community can make use of the My SAPS application, which they can download,” she explained.
“I would like to extend my gratitude to the private security companies and the community members of Hekpoort who at all times prioritise safety in their area for working hand-in-glove with the police to make sure that Hekpoort remains a safe place to live,” said Botma.
The Hekpoort Police can be contacted on 014 576 9100. Alternatively, contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or use the SMS line 32211.
