Police arrest four for possession of concealed weapons, drugs in Sunnyside
Wardens are making their presence felt in Sunnyside. They caught a 27-year-old man in possession of a long blade knife after several people, including women, have been stabbed during robberies in the area.
Four men were arrested last Wednesday for possession of dangerous weapons and drugs during a crime-fighting operation in Sunnyside, Pretoria.
The suspects are between the ages of 19 and 27, and at least two were caught red-handed in possession of knives during a joint operation involving the crime prevention wardens and Sunnyside Sector 5 CPF patrollers.
The operation took place along the nearby Nelson Mandela Drive with the aim of curbing robberies and stabbings in the area.
“Concerning incidences of robberies and stabbings of women in the area prompted us to embark on an operation,” patrollers coordinator Thabo Phakathi said, adding that criminals also rob children on their way to the school of their bags.
Rekord witnessed a man take off in the hope of evading arrest during a stop-and-search operation, but the fit and fearless wardens caught up with him in no time.
The man (27) was in possession of a knife with a big and long blade.
Another suspect (26) was caught in possession of a small folding knife while the third and fourth, aged 19 and 22 respectively, were arrested for possession of drugs.
“They were found with a small amount of crystal meth.”
Sector 5 CPF chairperson Carlinn Burts said the CPF was happy to work with wardens to curb the crimes that are problematic to the community.
“We are proud that some dangerous weapons often used to stab people during robberies have been removed. It means criminals who are terrorising community members are taken to task and it will not be business as usual for them,” Burts said.
She added that more work still needed to be done.
She said robberies often took place between 05:00 and 07:00.
“The hotspots include the corners of Nelson Mandela Drive with Rissik Street, Kotze Street, the entire Nelson Mandela Drive between Rissik and Kotze streets and Gerhard Moerdyk Street.”
She encouraged community members to be vigilant.
“People, especially women, should walk in groups.”
She said the CPF would do everything within its power, and work together with relevant stakeholders, to keep the residents safe.
The suspects appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court.
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