Operation Vala Konke yields positive results in Standerton

The Standerton police carried out Operation Vala Konke on Monday January 2, marking the start of 2023. It had some successful results, including several drug-related arrests and the confiscation of suspected tik, nyaope and dagga.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, as the result of this operation, two shebeens were closed down with about 319.38 litres of liquor confiscated.

Mohlala said, “It is said that members were patrolling and noticed a group of people at a premises. As they drew near, it was discovered that the alleged owners were running a shebeen. The place was searched where a large volume of liquor was found. A 35-year-old man was arrested. He paid a fine as an admission of guilt.

“Meanwhile, the second illegal liquor outlet was closed after members discovered that a spaza shop was being used to trade liquor. A 33-year-old man was arrested, and he paid a fine as an admission of guilt.”

He added that, “During the operation, information was received that there was a vehicle that was allegedly being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol and it was coming from Charl Cilliers, heading to Standerton. The car was spotted and stopped. A male suspect, aged 34, was arrested.”

Mohlala said a man (39), suspected to have murdered his female companion, was arrested after members involved in the operation received information on his whereabouts in Standerton.

“Four other suspects were arrested on charges of public drinking. They paid a fine as an admission of guilt. Two suspects, aged 23 and 30, were reportedly arrested on theft charges – it is alleged that they had stolen some tools. A 45-year-old male suspect was nabbed on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm,” he concluded.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court facing various charges.

The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has welcomed the success of the police during this operation.