As crimes such as robberies, hijackings and sexual offences showed an increase in Boksburg North over the last month, Ekurhuleni district commissioner Major General Anna Sithole urged community members to remain vigilant and know their rights when stopped by law enforcement.
Sithole said increased crime in general in the area is a concern for the district. The hotspots include Jet Park and Witfield.
Sithole spoke to the Boksburg Advertiser during Operation Shanela in the Boksburg North precinct on March 7, where she explained the district brought forces to the area to help the station deal with these issues.
Blue-light robberies
Sithole said blue-light robberies, where people posing as law enforcement officers stop motorists to rob them, are still a problem, not just in Boksburg North but in Ekurhuleni.
“Motorists should be aware that they have the right to drive to a safe place such as a police or petrol station. They will follow you if they are real police officers,” she pointed out.
Furthermore, Sithole said genuine police officers must wear a hat and a name tag on their uniform. They will also have appointment cards.
However, there is light at the end of the tunnel because Sithole said they had made arrests.
“We have confiscated the uniforms they used to commit these crimes and can confirm they are not real officers,” Sithole said.
Delivery bikes targeted
During the operation, Sithole and Boksburg North SAPS station commander Colonel Mack Mngomezulu confirmed that delivery bikes remain a target.
“Their modus operandi is to hit immediately after the driver stops to make a delivery. They then take the motorbike and disappear into the informal settlement,” added Mngomezulu.
Witfield is a hotspot for this crime.
Sithole addressed issues about illegal immigrants and street vendors.
“We are engaging with stakeholders, such as the EMPD and Department of Social Development,” she said, adding that the community must help the police where possible because the crime issue needs an integrated approach.
According to Ekurhuleni District acting communication officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile, the operation yielded the following results:
• Officers arrested 25 people for failing to produce documentation, six for crimes like assault and burglaries, and two for fraud and the possession of dagga.
They confiscated illicit cigarettes and alcohol.
• Officers found a Toyota Etios’ engine number had been tampered with and seized the car.
• They issued fines to the value of R34 200.
• An imbizo was also held at the East Rand Mall taxi rank.
The stakeholders who helped included the EMPD, home affairs, traffic wardens and the Siyabangena and Boksburg North CPF members.
Sithole commended the members for their efforts.
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