Metro Police Chief David Tembe celebrated six officers who went beyond the line of duty during the announcement of the department’s February performance report on 27 March.
Five of the six officers were involved in a high-speed chase on the freeway together with members of the public resulting in the arrest of suspects in the vehicle allegedly used at housebreaking in Cosmo City. The other officer was applauded for assisting a member of the public who was involved in a car accident after a truck lost its wheels and hit two other cars on the N3 freeway in Modderfontein Road.
“I am proud of these officers who went beyond their line of duty. They should be celebrated and encouraged to continue with the good work. I will start a programme where I will honour officers who are top performers on a monthly basis to promote excellence and good working ethic,” said Tembe.
The officers received shoulder reflector lights to increase visibility. “We welcome these reflector lights, especially after a Metro police officer, was hit by a car and died in 2017 during a traffic point duty. This will also help to have reckless motorists prosecuted because on previous cases they have alleged to not have seen the officers on the road,” added Tembe.
Meanwhile, the highest arrests made in February by the Metro police were related to driving under the influence at 541, followed by reckless and negligent driving at 21, possession of hijacked or stolen vehicles at 15, possession of stolen goods at 12, unlicensed firearm at 12 and possession and dealing in drugs at eight.
Randburg had 54 arrests for driving under the influence, one for common robbery and one for bribing an officer. Midrand had 47 arrests for driving under the influence and four for reckless and negligent driving. In Alexandra and Sandton, 50 arrests were made for driving under the influence, three for reckless and negligent driving and one for possession of stolen vehicle. In the inner city, 58 arrests were made for driving under the influence and five for possession of unlicensed firearm.
Out of the 5 864 vehicles that were stopped on the freeway, 5 192 were searched and 2 465 citations were issued. During 297 Crime Prevention Roadside checks conducted in February, 12 587 vehicles stopped, 148 were discontinued, 9 116 citations were issued and 79 arrests were made.
Operation Buya Mthetho resulted in 273 illegal electricity and 70 illegal water meters removed. Three trucks were impounded and 8 594 illegal posters removed. A total of 20 Metro police officers are facing disciplinary action following allegations of misconduct, nine for prevented cases in department accidents and 12 non-preventable cases.
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