West Rand Police together with other law-enforcement agencies intensified their efforts once again when they embarked on a massive operation which resulted in the arrest of 144 people.

The operation, held on the corner of Annan Road and the P111 in Carletonville started on September 16 and concluded on September 18.

Also read: Another 31 illegal immigrants arrested in West Rand Okae Molao operation

Police officers from the 13 police stations in the West Rand District were involved, among them Randfontein, Westonaria and Bekkersdal. The focus areas were roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stops-and-searches, and tracing wanted suspects.

The arrests were made for the following:

One for murder, one for rape, three for armed robbery, two for common robbery, two for business robbery, 11 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, five for common assault, one for theft from motor vehicle, four for theft, five for housebreaking and theft, two for housebreaking with the intent unknown, four for malicious damage to property, one for possession of unlicensed firearms, two for the contravention of a protection order, and 17 for driving under the influence of liquor.

Also read: Cops reveal details of Rand West City Okae Molao operation: 159 arrested

One person was arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence, one person for tampering with infrastructure, five for the possession of drugs, five for possession of dagga, one for possession of a dangerous weapon, eight for possession of suspected stolen property, one assault on a police official, and 25 illegal immigrants.

West Rand District police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said they would continue to eradicate the criminal element in communities.

We vow to continue our efforts and ensure that all those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law are brought to book and pay the price.

“We will also target and remove those who are in the country illegally, and destroy all areas in which they operate,” said Major General Kekana.