A large-scale crime operation within the SAPS Ekurhuleni district led to the shutting down of illegal gold refinery and shebeens, seizing of multiple illicit items and the arrest of 294 suspects throughout the district.
Authorities organised a two-day (March 30 -31) Okae Molao operation, which saw the assembled teams of detectives blitzing the district before the operation culminated in an almost day-long operation in Boksburg.
In Boksburg, the operation involved SAPS members from various units in the district, EMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police, Department of Home Affairs, CPF patrollers and other stakeholders.
Led by Ekurhuleni district commissioner Maj-Gen Anna Sithole, the teams assembled for different tasks set up a roadblock on Rondebult Road and known crime hot spots in different parts of Boksburg.
They searched for perpetrators of crimes, and those dealing in dangerous weapons, illegal narcotics and other illicit goods. They also clamped down on those running illegal liquor outlets and illegal miners.
These resulted in the arrests of several suspects and issuing of 86 traffic fines to the value of R28 600 to those who contravened the Road Traffic Act.
Six suspects were busted for possession of and dealing in drugs (dagga, Cat, cocaine and crystal meth). Another suspect was arrested after being found in possession of a police uniform, a hijacked vehicle and a gas pistol.
Five undocumented immigrants were arrested.
In Angelo informal settlement, two illegal shebeens were closed and had their liquor confiscated. Illegal mining equipment (pendukas, a generator, iron stampers, iron pots and electric motors) were confiscated from an illegal gold refinery in the informal settlement, and a second-hand goods store was closed for non-compliance with the requirements.
According to the SAPS Ekurhuleni district spokesperson, Capt Neldah Sekgobela, 283 suspects were arrested by the team of detectives for cases ranging from contact crimes, property-related crimes, crimes dependent on police actions, gender-based violence-related issues and other serious crimes.
To support the operation in Boksburg, an awareness campaign to address crime (violent crime in particular) was held in some areas where community members were taught about the different crimes, including gender-based violence. They were offered safety tips.
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Sithole attributed the success of the operation to the members involved and community members who work with the police.
She thanked the stakeholders for their participation and hard work, which brought more successes within a short period, and encouraged the community to continue to work with the police.
The arrested suspects were all scheduled to appear in court soon.
Sekgobela urged communities to continue reporting a crime to their respective police stations or do so through Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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