Police in the West Rand District made 84 arrests in the 13 policing districts during a joint and intensified crime-prevention operation over the weekend.

According to Sergeant Carmen Hendricks, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and the Randfontein Police, the joint operations that included suspect tracing were held from Friday, 5 June at 6am to Sunday, 7 June at 6am. She said having joined forces is proof that such operations yield resounding results. Criminals are put behind bars and the safety of West Rand communities are ensured.

Normal policing within the District continues even during the Covid-19 pandemic, of which the prescribed regulations are being monitored and enforced through a multidisciplinary approach.

“The arrested suspects will appear in the various magistrates’ courts on charges such as robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, car-hijacking, theft, domestic-violence related cases, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, possession of suspected stolen property, housebreaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicle, fraud, reckless or negligent driving, malicious damage to property, drunken driving, culpable homicide, possession of and dealing in drugs, as well as contravention of protection order and of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 regulations (selling cigarettes and dealing in liquor).”

Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner commended the members and said, “I am delighted that members are committed during crime-combating operations and when tracing wanted suspects, and by the efforts put in by other law-enforcement agencies in the District.

“Lastly, policing is a concerted effort and the community sharing information with the police shows the trust the community of the West Rand has, and is appreciated.”