118 Suspects arrested during Operation Paseka
118 Arrests were made during Easter weekend, across the Johannesburg West district.
From April 6 to April 10, the Johannesburg West District Police carried out Operation Paseka, which included their operational Easter weekend duties. 118 Suspects were arrested for various reasons, across the district.
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According to Captain Juanita Yorke, Roodepoort Police’s spokesperson, the violations included, “unlawful use and or possession of drugs, unlawful dealing in drugs; common assault, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, shoplifting, theft by false pretenses, possession of suspected stolen property, malicious injury to property, driving while under the influence of alcohol, reckless and or negligent driving, impersonating a police officer, possession of a dangerous weapon, selling or dealing in liquor without a license and undocumented persons.”
Several fines were also issued.
On Sunday, April 9, a man was arrested for impersonating a police officer, in the Florida policing precinct. He had an imitation firearm and imitation ammunition, and a police reflective vest, which was confiscated.
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“On Saturday, April 8, police again seized illicit mining equipment which was previously seized by the Florida police,” stated Yorke.
Colonel Lefa Tsotetsi, Florida police Station Commander confirmed, “Fourty-two illegal immigrants were arrested and a 21-year-old male for possession of imitation firearm as per Section 120 (10b).
“Cosmo City, Honeydew, Diepsloot, Randburg, Linden, and Douglasdale also joined forces thereby creating a true crime-fighting machine in the Johannesburg West district. This proves true cohesion between all of the Johannesburg West District Stations showing once again that there is no stone left unturned in the District. If you do the crime, you will do the time! All of the suspects have been charged and have been detained at the various police stations and will appear in the Randburg, Kagiso, and Roodepoort Magistrate’s Courts soon,” Yorke concluded.
The police also added a few safety tips for the community, to protect themselves:
Carjackings
Avoid parking your vehicles where there is no security.
Avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night.
Do not stop around carjacking spots or in any secluded area.
Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you drive alone.
Avoid distractions such as being on your cellular telephone.
Do not drink and drive.
Increase caution at intersections – always keep a lookout for people loitering around your car or for any sudden activity around your car.
Be sure to lock all the doors while inside the vehicle.
Do not leave any valuable items in the vehicle laying around, rather put them in the glove compartment or the boot.
House robberies
Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons and vehicles.
Enhance security by fitting access doors with security gates and installing burglar bars on windows.
Request neighbours to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period.
Do not open gates and doors for strangers or unverified personnel.
Verify the identity of the domestic worker and/or the garden worker before you employ them and check the authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises.
Business robberies
Do not keep too much money on the Business premises.
Be on the lookout for suspicious customers.
Do not keep the shop open till late.
Avoid being alone, especially at night.
Business owners must not open for anyone after the Business has closed.
Vetting staff before employment is crucial to good business etiquette.
Safety hints to prevent contact crimes
Excessive consumption of alcohol is the major cause of contact crimes such as common assault, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), rape, robbery, and murder.
Do not carry too much money.
Do not share a drink with someone you do not know.
Avoid confrontation when under the influence of alcohol.
Never leave your drink unattended.
Safety tips at shopping centers and malls
Do not ask for help from strangers at ATMs.
Do not display money in public.
Do not ask for directions from a stranger, rather ask a law enforcement officer.
Do not buy anything from a salesman at the door outside the shop.
Always go inside and complete your purchase at the tills.
Keep your personal belongings such as your handbag and wallet safe.
Always observe your surroundings, and be at the right place at the right time.
Safety hints for victims
Comply, remain calm, and do not argue with crime perpetrators.
Do not make sudden gestures.
Avoid eye contact but try to remember how the perpetrator looks for example by identifying and remembering special features.
Try to get away safely from the area as quickly as possible.
Do not be a hero, your life is worth more than anything.
Anyone who would prefer to give information by remaining anonymous can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by utilising the MySaps App downloadable on any smartphone or iPhone. All information received will be treated with the utmost professionalism and confidentiality.
