Gauteng deputy provincial commissioner Maj Gen Tommy Mthombeni and senior management of SAPS led Operation O Kae Molao in Moffat View precinct on March 24.
They were joined by other law-enforcement agencies as they led the multi-disciplinary operation, which was aimed at stamping the authority of the state and helping the local police station to reduce crime.
They conducted a major roadblock on the R59 towards South Rand Road, Thulisa Park, which was their starting point. One suspect carrying a bag with copper cables in a taxi was arrested.
Mthombeni said they started with Operation O Kae Molao the previous day where they arrested 902 suspects and 202 of those are GBV suspects (201 are females).
“With these operation activities, we are addressing the issue of wanted suspects within the province. In terms of the roadblock, we are addressing issues of the highly probable house or business robberies and car hijacking.
“We recovered a stolen kombi, a Quantum, which was stolen in Alberton, and the suspect was arrested. We also arrested 73 illegal immigrants,” he said.
He also mentioned it was important they worked closely with stakeholders, including councillors, CPF and security companies to tackle the drug issue.
“We have the provincial head of crime intelligence and can address cases of drugs with the information we get,” noted Mthombeni.
Ward 56 and 57 councillors Michael Crichton and Faeeza Chame welcomed the operation.
“I’m grateful to all the stakeholders who are here. I just hope crime will come down. And the community needs to play its role. If people know of anything in terms of crime, they need to report it. This is the only way we can curb crime, and these operations will be happening more often,” explained Chame.
