Police continue with their successful crime clean-up operation

The West Rand Police recently intensified their anti-crime operations to get rid of lawlessness.

In conjunction with other departments such as the Department of Health, Home Affairs, Mogale City Traffic, private security companies and community patrollers, the West Rand District Police continued with their successful Okae Molao operations. They focused on the rural parts of the district which included Hekpoort, Magaliesburg and the Tarlton policing precincts.

“High levels of crime pose a serious threat to our emergent democracy. Violent crimes often leads to a tragic loss of life and injury, loss of possessions and livelihood due to incalculable levels of crime. Crime results in the deprivation of the rights and dignity of citizens and possess a threat to peaceful resolution of differences,” a statement sent from police spokesperson Constable Rebecca Phithi on behalf of the office of the Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mashadi Selepe, read.

The statement read that the police are duty bound to deal with crime decisively and in a pro-active manner to prevent crime before it happens. The Okae Molao operations are just one of the tools that is used in this regard to root out crime.

The operation started at 4.30am on 3 January and targeted crime infested areas through road blocks, tracing wanted suspects, crime prevention, health and safety and staggered stop and searches.

“The operation made a huge impact which resulted in 173 arrests of which 78 are undocumented persons, 44 road traffic transgressions to the value of R50 150 and six illegal liquor outlets closed,” the statement read.

The police also raided a number of spaza shops and confiscated counterfeit goods as well as unhealthy food. These unhealthy foods are sold to the most underprivileged rural communities according to the statement.

“True patriotism is about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping the community of West Rand District safe. There is nothing stronger than the heart of the volunteer,” said Selepe as she was showing her gratitude towards the members and volunteers.

The statement said that the police will continue with various operations such as this one, they also have social crime initiatives that will ensure that communities are capable to deal with all levels of social ills affecting the district. This includes gender based violence, alcohol and drug abuse.