Residents of Reiger Park and motorists were on Thursday morning, February 18, surprised by several police raids, roadblocks and stop and search operations in some of the busiest streets and intersections in the township.
According to the police, the integrated law enforcement operation in Reiger Park was in reaction to reports of the ongoing drug trade and violent crimes.
It targeted various hot spots, focusing on drugs, dangerous weapons, illegal shebeens and tracing of suspects wanted for priority crimes.
During the operation led by the Gauteng deputy provincial commissioner of detective services Maj Gen Vincent Leshabane, members of the SAPS, SANDF, EMPD, and Gauteng Traffic Department blitzed crime hot spots, including suspected drug houses.
Home Affairs officials were also part of the enforcement to help identify illegal immigrants.
During the set up roadblocks, officers stopped 413 vehicles. Those found to be in contravention of the law were handed fines and some were arrested. A total of 712 people were searched.
Eighty four premises were raided. In the raids on suspected drug houses, officers seized Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine drugs and the suspects handcuffed for drugs possession.
In Ramaphosa informal settlement, they uncovered four illegal shebeens where a large amount of alcohol was seized (877 liters).
Six illegal immigrants were also arrested in the operation, while one suspect was arrested for possession of am unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Officers also checked whether individuals and organisations were adhering to lockdown regulations.
Leshabane said: “We are here in Reiger Park because community members complained of the drug trade. We are here to tackle the problem and ensure that Reiger Park and Ramaphosa residents feel safe in their homes.
“What I like about the people of Reiger Park is that they are willing to cooperate. They share information without fear, and we are saying thank you very much because as a result of your support we have now managed to uncover drugs.
“We are yours, we are with you and please make use of us. Give us information and you will see what we are capable of doing for your community.”
Leshabane said the SAPS has sufficient resources, including manpower, to deal with any crime in all parts of the country, including the congested informal settlements.
He encouraged residents to contact the station commander or the district commissioner should they encounter any service delivery problems with their respective police stations.
In his closing remarks, Leshabane thanked everyone who supports the SAPS in fighting crime, adding that operation Okae Molao is bearing fruits.
Also Read: Video: Operation Okae Molao hits the streets of Boksburg
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