The Sedibeng cluster in Gauteng has been visited by provincial top cops over the weekend, including the Gauteng provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, forming part of Okae Molao operations.

On Saturday evening, Mawela, together with a team of SAPS members and different law enforcement agencies, conducted a random stop and search operation during a roadblock on Barrage Road in Vanderbijlpark.

During the roadblock, suspected stolen vehicles were recovered, alleged drunk drivers were arrested, and alleged illegal immigrants were detained.

After an hour-long roadblock, Mawela and other high-ranking cops including his deputy Major General Mthombeni, Sedibeng Acting Commissioner Brigadier Abbey Nkhwashu and Vanderbijlpark station commander Brigadier Nikiwe Sefatsa clamped down on several illegal taverns in the area.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Mawela said he will be in the region more often to deal with the mounting crime.

“[Crime is rearing its ugly head in] Sedibeng and not only the areas we have visited recently [Evaton and Vanderbijlpark], De Deur [is also included] when we refer to hotspots in this region. You are going to see me more so that I can help strengthen the arm of the district commissioner and station commanders,” he said.

Mawela said the area is challenged with property related crimes which includes house robberies among many others.

“All these hotspots have different crimes. Vanderbijlpark is faced with property related crimes, this includes burglaries whether in business or residential areas. Aggravated robbery is another headache, not forgetting substance abuse,” he said.

“Where there are students, drug peddlers are always roaming around. We are dealing with all law breakers in this region because if these wrong doers go unchallenged, we are going to have a crisis of uncontrollable lawlessness,” he said.

Mawela said over 868 wanted suspects were arrested, 16 undocumented persons were behind bars and one drunk driver was arrested.

He further added that two stolen vehicles were recovered during the roadblock.

*Above stats were recorded during the interview with Mawela. Later in the night more suspects were arrested and illegal taverns clamped down during various raids.