Police pounce on crime, illegal trading and illegal electricity connections

Police were out in force on September 23 to tackle illegal structures, illicit trading, and poor regulation that have created a breeding ground for crime in Rietgat and Loate.

Law enforcement and government agencies executed a massive law enforcement campaign after mounting frustration from Rietgat residents.

The intervention shows a growing trend in the country’s policing: tackling the root causes of crime through co-ordinated enforcement.

Community members have long raised concerns about safety in the area, with the station precinct becoming a hotspot for unlawful activity.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan Van Dyk said this operation was planned as part of a broader strategy.

Units from the SAPS, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Department of Community Safety, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) combined resources and intelligence.

The two-phased operation began with the TMPD issuing notices against illegal structures in terms of the metro’s by-laws.

The teams then moved in from both sides of the train station. They demolished 176 illegal structures, freeing up public space and improving visibility around the station. One employer was fined for illegally hiring 13 undocumented foreign nationals.

Van Dyk said six illegal shebeens were shut down, and more than 330 bottles of liquor were seized for destruction.

“Six suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes after police found numerous ziplock bags containing narcotics.

“Illegal electricity connections worth R210 000 were disconnected, curbing unsafe power usage and cable theft.”

District commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine praised the co-operation between agencies, saying, ‘The success of such interventions shows the strength of an integrated approach to law enforcement.

“We are committed to restoring safety, protecting communities, and rebuilding confidence in policing.”

The TMPD also intensified by-law enforcement operations, making dozens of arrests and demolishing illegal structures in a large-scale crackdown at Mabopane Station.

The operation on September 23 was carried out by TMPD Region 1 Sector 1 in Mabopane in collaboration with its law enforcement counterparts and key stakeholders from the metro.

According to the TMPD, 95 illegally erected structures were demolished during the operation.

Residents and business owners were once again reminded that any extensions or new structures must follow city procedures and guidelines.

“Erecting structures without the necessary approval is unlawful and places individuals at risk of financial and legal consequences.

“We urge the public to follow proper municipality processes when setting up businesses or making extensions to ensure compliance,” said TMPD spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba.

TMPD noted that tackling drug-related crimes remains a top priority, with the arrests serving as a warning to those who attempt to peddle drugs in local communities.
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“This operation demonstrates our commitment to rooting out drug activity and ensuring our communities are safe from the devastating impact of drugs.

“Our officers will continue to act decisively against those who profit from destroying lives through substance abuse,” emphasised Mahamba.

Law enforcement officers also issued fines to four individuals for selling liquor without valid liquor licenses.

Mahamba said such offences contribute to unregulated trading and public safety risks, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Mabopane Station.

Metro electricity officials also participated in the operation, disconnecting and removing illegally connected cables at Mabopane Station.

These connections were being used to steal electricity and supply informal businesses.

The metro warned that illegal connections endanger lives and compromise the reliability of the electricity supply.

On the same day, a parallel operation was conducted by TMPD Region 6 Sector 1 in Mamelodi, where 24 undocumented immigrants were arrested in Waltoo and the Silverton Industrial area and similarly charged with contravention of the Immigration Act.

TMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Yolande Faro, applauded the efforts of all those involved in the coordinated operations.

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