HEIDELBERG. – This follows violent protests in Ratanda, which escalated to looting last week.

Police Spokesperson Sergeant Maria Letsele reports that following the protest, an intelligence driven operation was conducted by police after receiving information from members of the community.

“On Saturday, our members from Ratanda SAPS, Community Policing Forum (CPF) together with the Ratanda Community Safety Forum conducted the operation under the leadership of Sergeant Moss Maluleka and Constable Paul Tsotetsi. 12 suspects were arrested and more than 1000 exhibits were seized.”

Letsele adds that the information received from community members sends a clear message that law abiding citizens in Ratanda have zero  tolerance for elements of criminality in their community.

The Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Ettie Zodwa Molefe applauded the members of SAPS, various stakeholders and the community for working tirelessly to bring perpetrators to book.

“No criminal activities will be tolerated or allowed in Sedibeng District,” Molefe concludes.

All  the arrested suspects will appear in Heidelberg Magistrate court soon.