Moot crime op nets 16 for drugs, dangerous weapons
“The aim, among other things, was to address community concerns in relation to lawlessness in the Riviera, Rietfontein and Gezina areas.”
Various members of law enforcement agencies arrested 16 suspects during a massive anti-crime operation in the Moot, police said.
“We have arrested 16 suspects for possession of drugs, dangerous weapons and housebreaking equipment, among others,” Pretoria Moot police spokesperson Captain Anton Breedt told Rekord.
The operation, led by the police, saw members of visible policing, Moot CPF patrollers and several security companies taking part which started on Friday night and ended in the early hours of Saturday morning.
“The aim, among other things, was to address community concerns in relation to lawlessness in the Riviera, Rietfontein and Gezina areas.”
He said 12 people were arrested for public drinking.
This arrest was as a result of a good relationship between the police and community members, he said.
“The police looked at the recent reports from community members regarding people who are drinking near liquor outlets and public parks.”
He said the operation held roadblocks in Jacobs and Nico Smith streets in Gezina focused on firearms, stolen property and vehicles.
“During the vehicle checkpoints, two men were arrested for possession of drugs.”
Two suspects were arrested for possession of a dangerous weapon and housebreaking equipment in Riviera.
It had been reported earlier that the two suspects had attempted to rob a man in Annie Botha Road, Riviera.
“Although the victim didn’t want to open a case with the police, the police apprehended the two for possession of a large knife, pliers, flat screwdrivers, hacksaw and other tools often used in commissioning of housebreaking crimes.”
He said the suspects will appear in the Pretoria magistrate’s court soon while those arrested for public drinking would be released after paying a fine.
In an unrelated incident, members of the community informed the police of a large number of dagga trees in the spruit between Meyer and Louis Trichardt roads in Rietfontein, Wonderboom South, he said.
“All the plants were cut down and seized by the police and will be destroyed later,” he said.
It was determined that the confiscated dagga had an estimated street value of more than R8 000.”
He said Moot police station commander Colonel Hlengeni Giben Mashaba congratulated the police and various stakeholders for their commitment to make the Moot a safer place for the community.
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