Police on the West Rand made 143 arrests during yet another mass joint effort and intensified crime-prevention operation held across the District over the weekend.
Captain Raymond Sebonyane from the West Rand District Police corporate communications explained that operations started on Friday, November 5 at 06:00 and ended on Sunday, November 7 at 06:00.
Suspects were arrested for the following:
• One for attempted murder
• One for arson
• One for armed robbery
• One for business robbery
• Three for rape
• One for sexual assault
• 12 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• One for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm under the Domestic Violence Act
• 19 for common assault under the Domestic Violence Act
• Two for common assault
• Six for possession of drugs
• Eight for being in possession of stolen property
• One for being in possession of suspected stolen livestock
• Two for being in possession of housebreaking implements
• One for housebreaking and theft
• Four for burglary
• Five for theft
• One in terms of the Domestic Violence Act
• One for being in possession of gold-bearing material
• Four for illegal mining
• Four for malicious damage to property
• One for malicious damage to property under the Domestic Violence Act
• 25 for drunk driving
• One for drunk driving, and reckless or negligent driving
• One for pointing a firearm
• Four for shoplifting
The police also made arrests for crimes such as contravening a protection order, intimidation, dealing in liquor without a licence, contravening the National Disaster Management Act, being undocumented, drunkenness, loitering and trespassing.
Sebonyane said the West Rand District Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kakana commended the members and said he was delighted that they were committed in their crime-combating operations and tracing wanted suspects.
The District Commissioner said policing is a concerted effort, and information the community shared with the police showed the trust of the West Rand community, and that is appreciated.
They encourage the public to continue to report criminal activity by using the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, the My SAPS app or the SMS line 32211.
Hijackings on the West Rand
Police also issued a warning to the community about an increase in hijackings around the West Rand. Motorists should be vigilant when using the N12, N14, R41, R559, R500, R501, R563, M13, R24, R28 and Impala Roads.
Criminals pretend to be police. They usually use a white unmarked car (a sedan) with a blue light.
Some of the hijackers will signal you that your vehicle has a flat tyre. They also signal truck drivers that something had fallen from the truck.”
Captain Sebonyane said hijackers now have taken their business to the suburbs where they attack people while they open or close their gates.
The police shared some safety tips in this regard:
• Always drive with your doors locked.
• If you suspect you are being followed or you believe the people stopping you are not police, drive to the nearest police station or a busy public area.
• Do not stop when another driver signals that you have a flat tyre or that something is wrong on your vehicle.
• Do not give any hitchhikers lifts.
• If strangers are loitering or a suspicious vehicle is near or at your driveway, rather drive past first.
• Limit your night trips or at least take someone along.
