In a continued effort to reduce rampant crime in the inner city, the Visible Policing unit conducted stop-and-search operations at the End Street Mall in Doornfontein on 5 February.
Police spokesperson, Captain Xoli Mbele, said, “Once police are visible, the crime shifts. Maybe people are robbed at knife or gunpoint, but once they notice the presence of police in the area, the crime stops or shifts.”
Mbele said no major busts were made, except for small quantities of dagga found on motorists, who were subsequently arrested for possession of an illegal drug.
“On a daily basis we carry out [crime] analyses. If the crime goes up, then it means we’re failing the community.
“Some crimes can be policed while others, such as when someone is murdered, can’t be policed. The only thing we can then do is to carry out the necessary investigations in order to arrest the suspect.”
Mbele urged the public to help police bring criminals to book without compromising their own safety. “Members of the public need to report crimes. If we can all play a role, then we can make a difference. We’re not saying that people need to put their lives in danger, but simply act as our eyes and ears.”
Read: National Police Day celebrated in style
Add us on WhatsApp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our WhatsApp policy.
