Police made their presence felt again in the West Rand District this past weekend with multi-disciplinary operations.
From Friday 8 to Sunday 10 January, members focused on roadblocks, crime prevention, rural safety and enforcing of National Disaster Management Act regulations. The focus was also on the transportation of illegal goods, firearms and drugs, and the recovery of stolen or hijacked vehicles.
A total of 188 arrests were secured. In Kagiso alone, police made 38 arrests.
Those arrested were suspected of offences that include kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, common robbery, housebreaking and theft, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft, domestic violence related crimes, fraud, child neglect, use of motor vehicle without owner’s consent, malicious damage to property, pointing a firearm, common assault and crimen injuria.
Captain Raymond Sebonyane, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and the Krugersdorp Police added they also dealt with liquor-related crimes in order to minimise accidents and culpable homicide. In the process, 25 people were arrested for drunken driving and two for reckless or/ and negligent driving.
More arrests during the operation included:
• 24 for illegal mining
• six for possession of gold-bearing material
• five for possession of stolen motor vehicle
• three for possession of unlicensed firearm
• two for possession of copper cable
• four for possession of stolen goods
• one for possession of explosives
• two for dealing in dagga
• three for possession of drugs
• two for possession of dagga
• two for possession of dangerous weapons
• 45 for contravening the Disaster Management Act regulations
• 23 for undocumented person,
• one for drunkenness
• one for outstanding warrant of arrest
All arrested suspects are to appear in the various magistrates’ courts in the District soon.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police commissioner welcomed the successes for the weekend and thanked members of all law-enforcement agencies for their dedication and commitment by making sure that our community members are always safe.
Crime is a major part of every society. Its costs and effects affect just about everyone to some degree. These kinds of costs can include pain and suffering, and a lower quality of life. There are also the traumatic impact on friends and the disruption of family,” he said.
The public is encouraged to work with the police in the fight against crime by reporting those who are against the law to the nearest police station or by calling the police Crime Stop Hotline 08600 10111, or communicate via the MySAPS App or SMS number 32211 and remain anonymous.
