POLOKWANE – The government’s controversial crime-fighting blitz operation, code-named Operation Fiela, has led to the arrest of thousands of people for severe crimes, including possession of drugs, suspects wanted for murder, theft and sexual offences around the country and especially in Limpopo. Operation Fiela was initially launched to combat attacks on foreigners and has been criticised for then targeting foreigners and rushing their deportations but has morphed into an all-encompassing effort against crime. The biggest Fiela multi disciplinary operations were held on 30 and 31 July 2015 where all provinces conducted synchronised operations. These operations were held in all major centres across the country. The operation still continues and the Limpopo spokesperson for the police Ronel Otto send out the latest statistics for the operation in Limpopo during October.
According to Otto the Limpopo Operation Fiela resulted in the arrest of 500 people in the province since the beginning of October.
“The saps in the province intensified their efforts in the operation this past month, especially with the approaching festive season and the challenges it brings in terms of certain crime trends.” Otto said.
She said that abuse of liquor continues to be a challenge and a problem with 110 people being arrested for either drinking in public or being drunk in public.
Other arrests included the following:
• 26 people were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor and 28 people for driving under the influence of liquor.
• 20 people were arrested for contact crimes such as assault and 1 for attempted murder.
• 13 arrests were made for illegal gambling and 26 for the illicit dealing in precious metals or precious stones.
• 76 people were arrested for the possession of drugs, mostly dagga.
• eight people were detained for the possession of a dangerous weapon and two were arrested for the possession of illegal fire arms and ammunition.
• 134 undocumented persons were apprehended as well as three people for the employment of undocumented migrants.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in the province, Lt Genl Fannie Masemola has reiterated that this operation, focusing on illegal fire arms and ammunition, drugs and contraband, liquor and second hand goods, crimes against women and children, hijacking and serious and violent crimes will intensify during the coming weeks.
“We want to ensure that the communities in the province feel safe and secure and enjoy a festive season without the fear of falling victim to heartless criminals,” he said. “We therefor also appeal to the communities and community leaders out there to work hand in hand with the Police during this time and to expose criminals and criminal elements within their society,” he said.
