The aim of regular operations such as O Kae Molao is to prioritise the safety of residents in the West Rand District, said Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police commissioner.
The police commissioner’s message was clear during yet another massive law-enforcement operation held on Thursday, 15 October in the Krugersdorp and Muldersdrift areas. It started at 6.30am and lasted until 3pm.
The joint operation included members from Visible Policing, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Mogale Traffic Police, Community Safety and even Eskom. Roadblocks, contact crimes, serious and violent crimes, liquor-related crimes, illegal mining and tracing of suspects were the focus of the day.
The operation yielded great results and 189 suspects were arrested, among them —
• two for murder
• one for armed robbery
• two for robbery
• two for business burglary
• four for housebreaking and theft
• twelve for domestic-violence related crimes
• seven for possession of drugs
• three for drunken driving
• fifty for assault with the intention to cause grievous body harm
• three for fraud
• two for child neglect
• two for possession of stolen property (transformers)
• two for possession of an unlicensed firearm
Other suspects were arrested for impersonating police officers, possession of housebreaking implements, contravention of protection order, contempt of court, illegal possession of ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, malicious damage to property, reckless and/ or negligent driving, interfering with police while performing their duties, sexual assault, pointing a firearm, contravening the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974, selling expired food, and undocumented persons.
Traffic fines (96) to the value of R104 000 were issued, while a white Toyota bakkie was impounded because it was found to be unroadworthy.
“One blue Hyundai that was found abandoned reportedly had been used without the owner’s consent, and it has a Krugersdorp case number,” said Moshe.
Eskom also went to the Video informal settlement in Muldersdrift during the operation. There they disconnected illegal electricity connections, and confiscated five transformers that were illegally disconnected, as well as 2 000m of cable. Two suspects were arrested.
All those arrested will be appearing in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court.
Sergeant Motsamai Moshe, West Rand District Police spokesperson warned, “The West Rand District has encountered an increase in priority crimes such as house robberies, murders and hijackings”.
He further explained that there is no age limit as to who is targeted during these robberies, and that perpetrators are armed, violent, cruel and aggressive.
“They come face to face with their victims and show no mercy. At times lives are even lost. Defenceless victims watch with dismay as their hard-earned belongings are robbed or taken at gunpoint,” he added.
The police want to urge the community to work with them in the fight against crime and to apply these tips:
• Ensure that doors and windows are properly locked and closed at all times.
• Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember, outside lights that are on during the day draw the attention of the criminals.
• Ensure that your yard is neat and clean. Trees and bushy shrubs should be pruned and not planted close to a house as this can hide criminals.
• If possible, ensure that you have proper safety and security features at your house, like burglar proofing in front of windows, security doors and gates, and emergency alarms or panic buttons.
• You can also use a whistle to alert your neighbours in case of emergency.
• Always check the identity of the strangers who visit for business purposes, such as to do deliveries or repairs, and before unlocking the door.
• Know your neighbours as they are close and can be of great help during any emergency.
• Remain calm during a robbery and give your full cooperation. Your life is worth more than any property.
Kekana thanked all those involved for their dedication and commitment to making sure the community is safe and protected, as well as making sure those who break the law are brought to book.
He encouraged the community to become part of a Community Policing Forum (CPF) or the neighbourhood watch.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crime or suspicious activities by contacting their nearest police station, or calling the police Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Information may also be conveyed to the police on the My SAPS app that can be downloaded on any smartphone, and remain anonymous.
