Crime-fighters put on show of strength in Edenvale

"We all know what is happening in Edenvale, so we took some proactive measures to try to prevent crime from escalating."

Cartons of confiscated cigarettes.

Law enforcement agencies came together in Edenvale CBD in an attempt to root out crime and put criminals behind bars.

The joint operation held on February 28, saw the crime-fighting contingent descend on stores along Van Riebeeck Avenue.

It saw several successful arrests for crimes related to narcotics and stolen property to the confiscation of illegal cigarettes.

Some of the drugs estimated to be worth R15 000 found in the possession of a male suspect who was arrested on February 28. The drugs in powder and rocks form can be seen in various size packets.

Government agencies involved included the national narcotics team, EMPD, EMPD Swat Team, National Crime Intelligence Unit, Home Affairs and counterfeit unit.

Security and community groups which assisted included CPG Armed Response, Cortax, 24/7, Lionsgate, Mamba and AfriForum.

Also read: Cameras a valuable crime fighting tool in Edenvale

Stakeholders made use of vehicle registration numbers and facial recognition cameras in addition to sniffer dogs.

Paraphernalia found in the arrested suspect’s possession.

Capt Musa Shezi of the national narcotics team said a man was arrested for the possession of narcotics when they found heroin, crystal meth and Kat in his possession.

The drugs, found as powders and rocks, were valued at approximately R15 000.

Security personnel search the arrested suspect’s vehicle for more narcotics.

Drug paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of money was also found in the suspect’s possession.

The operations manager, Sweiss Harms from CPG, said illegal and fake cigarettes estimated to be worth R20 000 were also confiscated.

Also read: Residents speak out on crime

“Some of the cigarettes confiscated were permitted to be sold in Namibia, but not South Africa.”

A security officer from 24/7 security stands watch near one of the businesses that were searched on February 28.

Harms said another three suspects were arrested for being in the possession of stolen property.

“The operation was part of a continuous drive to clean up Edenvale,” said Harms.

“We all know what is happening in Edenvale, so we took some proactive measures to try to prevent crime from escalating.”

Operation organiser Sweiss Harms speaking to a security officer before the February 28 operation.

Edenvale City Improvement District manager Linda McKenzie agreed with Harms and said the operation was held in response to the recent criminal activities in Edenvale.

In recent weeks, Edenvale and the surrounding areas were shaken by a Modderfontein cash-in-transit robbery and shooting at Dowerglen High School and a robbery at Edenvale High School.

Some of the confiscated cigarettes taken by law enforcement agencies during the February 28 operation, clearly showing that they are only allowed to be sold in Namibia.

“The information gathered for the operation was done over several months,” said McKenzie.

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