Residents have been warned of a spike in property-related crimes, including burglaries and theft of motorbikes and bicycles in the Greater Benoni area.
This was revealed by the provincial deputy commissioner for policing, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, during the integrated operation shanela, led by provincial commissioner Elisa Mawela, in Daveyton on November 16.
Mthombeni urged residents to be aware of this trend noticed last month, adding that those who enjoy outdoor activities like cycling should do so in groups.
Relaying the successes of the operation, which began on November 16 in various areas across the province, Mthombeni said they arrested 1 072 suspects and their work with officials at the ports yielded a total conviction of 33 years last week.
In Daveyton, 42 illegal immigrants were arrested while four suspects were nabbed for dealing in drugs.
A total of four illegal shebeens were shut down while four second-hand goods were closed and issued with fines to the value of R4 000.
Street imbizo
Mthombeni, accompanied by colleagues including the acting Ekurhuleni commissioner brigadier Lebohang Machakela, led a street imbizo in the Gabon informal settlement to engage community members.
According to provincial spokesperson colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, this was to strengthen community relations towards a safer province for all.
“Community members raised their concerns and asked questions relating to crimes affecting them, which were answered by the Daveyton SAPS station commander and acting district commissioner.
“Major-generals Mthombeni and Mbuso Khumalo (deputy provincial commissioner for crime detection) also addressed the community and encouraged them to work together with the police by reporting any criminal activities to their nearest police station,” said Nevhuhulwi.
The contacts of the Daveyton SAPS station commander and station management were also shared with the community.
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