EVATON – Mawela was joined by senior management of SAPS including Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Tommy Mthombeni, Deputy Provincial Commissioner Crime Detection Major General Mbuso Khumalo, Acting Sedibeng District Commissioner Brigadier Abbey Nkhwashu, Evaton Station Commander Brigadier Doctor Sibuyi amongst many other.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela together with senior management of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies leads the multidisciplinary Operation O Kae Molao and Safer Festive Season Operation in Evaton, Sedibeng District. @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/k9VybIHtNk

— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) January 5, 2023

Different law enforcement agencies including Home Affairs, and Community Policing Forum joined the operation.

The multidisciplinary operation started with a first phase where detectives traced wanted suspects, however, the second phase involved road blocks, raids at illegal taverns and random stop and searches on the Golden Highway.

Over 900 wanted suspects were arrested since Wednesday.

The operation is aimed at stamping the authority of the state and assisting the local police station with the reduction of crime.
The operation commenced with a stop and search on the Golden Highway in Evaton.@Saps pic.twitter.com/vBB0eyC4tA

— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) January 5, 2023

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster on the sidelines, Mawela explained the motive to host the operation in Evaton.

“We decided to come to Evaton to assist in strengthening the arm of the station commander in helping them to fight crime in this precinct. We have observed with concern that robbery aggravating and assault are on the rise. Business and residential robbery including car hijackings are also on the rise and this raises concern,” he said.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela briefing the media on Operation Okae Molao successes in Evaton. @SAPoliceService #OkaeMolao #SaferFestiveSeason pic.twitter.com/JLyFUTOsAx

— Sifiso Jimta (@JimtaSifiso) January 5, 2023

Mawela added that old model vehicles are being targeted in the area, especially in Evaton West.

“Theft of motor vehicles in this region doesn’t happen in shopping complexes as per norm, however they happen mostly in private residence. What’s puzzling is that old motor vehicles are being targeted. We are doing a deeper analysis to identify who may be the recipient of those vehicles and the purpose thereof. We have also realized that Extension 11 in Evaton West is rife when it comes to burglaries and we will definitely work very hard to curb the crime,” he added.

Mawela said the operation yielded a successful 938 arrests of wanted suspects, which includes 212 for gender-based violence.

“We started with the first phase whereby the detectives made us proud in arresting 938 suspects all in all. We continuing to make in routes in that particular space. 15 undocumented persons were arrested, two people found in dealing with nyaope were also arrested. These are among other arrests made during the Operation Okae Molao,” he said.