Operation Okae Molao moved to Mogale City recently with the police, Gauteng Traffic Police, Mogale City Traffic Police, Community Safety and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) patrollers descending on Tarlton, Magaliesburg and Hekpoort on Thursday 15 April at 5.30am.
Sergeant Kgomotso Mogwere from the West Rand District Corporate Communication explained that before the operation started, the West Rand District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana addressed the members and reminded them about their safety and that of the members of the public when they conduct searches.
The general emphasised that the operation should have an immense impact on crime, and that no crime should be reported during their presence.
“When we leave here the community must feel the wings of safety and see the difference,” Kekana told them.
Mogwere explained that the operation was conducted by four groups – one of the groups held a roadblock at the N14 and R24 intersection, and the other three did crime prevention around the Hekpoort, Magaliesburg and Tarlton areas.
“During the roadblock, awareness was created by police members, together with members of the Department of Community Safety who issued pamphlets and sensitised the community on hijackings, stock theft and compliance with Covid-19 regulations.”
The operation yielded great success, and three vehicles were recovered during the operation – one that had been stolen and two that had been hijacked.
A total of 122 arrests were made during the operation:
* 19 for malicious damage to property
* Two for possession of suspected stolen property
* Two for rape
* One for murder
* 14 or assault with intend to cause grievous bodily harm
* Three for fraud
* Five for common assault and domestic violence
* Two for drunken driving
* Four for common assault
* One for theft
* One for contravention of protection order for domestic violence
* One for contempt of court
* One for perjury
* Three for domestic violence
* Two violating the Disaster Management Act regulations
* Two for dealing in dagga
* One for dealing in liquor without licence
* One for gold bearing material
* One for illegal mining.
* Other crimes included 40 arrests for undocumented persons
A total of R43 900 worth of fines were issued in terms of the Road Traffic Act, non-compliance with liquor-related legislation, and selling expired goods.
“As the state we will continue to stamp our authority to ensure that law and order are maintained, and the community of the West Rand District is safe,” said Kekana.
