Florida Police’s themed operations are showing through repetition and reliability that they have more stamina than criminal elements.
By focusing constant attention on the policing precinct’s big issues, the community’s security cluster is making Florida an unattractive area for criminals to operate. Florida Police, the area’s Community Policing Forum (CPF), Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) security forces, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and dedicated private security companies all play a vital role in weekly battles against illegal mining, drug dealers, illegal traders and wanted suspects.
Operation Buffalo was held on Thursday, September 23, under the command of station commander Colonel Amos Tsotetsi. Operational commander duties were tasked to Warrant Officer Louis Jooste as they made a marijuana bust valued at an estimated R300 000. Two suspects were arrested after being found in possession of seven plastic jars filled with hydroponic marijuana.
At liquor outlets, police confiscated 47 litres of sorghum beer, and at the regular Odendaal Road roadblock, 80 vehicles and 131 people were searched. Authorities issued 11 fines totalling R8 250 while detectives arrested three suspects, all wanted for cases of common assault.
A week later, Operation Rhino was conducted on September 30. Operational commander duties fell to Lieutenant Colonel Moses Teffo who coordinated a thorough raid of illegal mining hotspot, Rugby Club informal settlement. One suspect escaped after being found with 21 sticks of dynamite while authorities also confiscated six detonators, three phendukas, two generators, five electric motors, a host of garden tools and one round of live ammunition.
Additionally, six second-hand goods stores were inspected where only one fine to the value of R1 500 needed to be issued. Detectives, carrying out information gained from intelligence reports, arrested three suspects wanted for various crimes. In separate incidents, one man was arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, another for malicious damage to property, and one other in connection with an armed robbery.
By comparing the items confiscated during October 4’s Operation Elephant, authorities are making gains in the never-ending illegal mining battle. Again in Rugby Club informal settlement, authorities confiscated four phendukas, three stamp pots, two stampers, 25 metres of hose pipe, two mining motors, and a rusted chain. The Odendaal Road roadblock was equally successful as authorities recovered a stolen courier vehicle and issued R7 000 worth of fines from the 20 vehicles and 86 people searched.
