Rietgat police arrest 50 suspects in a week

Rietgat police have arrested more than 50 people for various offences in Soshanguve in the past week.

Rietgat police communications officer, Captain Stephen Maluleka said the suspects were arrested for different offences including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, possession of drugs, housebreaking and theft, contravention of a protection order, carjacking, common robbery, malicious damage to property and intimidation.

One of the suspects, a 59-year-old man, was caught by MJ Mgidi secondary school learners damaging and stealing a school fence and a pole.

“The police were later called in and arrested the man for theft. Fortunately, no learner was hurt and the man didn’t have a weapon.”

Maluleka said most of the cases and arrests were in Soshanguve Block PP, in a place commonly known as Jukulyn.

He said many locals regard Jukulyn as unsafe for visitors and residents who have been residing there for decades but crime wasn’t commonplace there.

“To be honest, sometimes other cases like house common robbery, housebreaking and theft don’t happen always.”

He said Soshanguve blocks GG, HH, TT and BB were experiencing an upsurge in crime.

He advised residents to be always vigilant and aware of what is happening around them. He said most perpetrators roam around the streets during the day to spot the house they could break into.

“In cases of housebreakings, these people look around during the day trying to find a place that has gadgets to steal.”

He added that community members must ensure that they close their curtains to ensure that criminals don’t see inside the house.

“TVs must be on the wall and not reflect through the window because that makes you a target. Playing loud music is also dangerous in this case because that’s how they know you have a great sound system,” he said.

All the suspects are expected to appear in the Soshanguve magistrate’s court soon.

He encouraged the community to call 071 675 6250 or 082 455 8236 to report crime in the area.

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