A West Rand Police communication officer, Sgt Tunase Majola, says the Okae Molao operation started at about 18:00 on Friday, 17 June. Police members and officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic officials, community policing forum (CPF) members, and patrollers participated.
At the outset, the SAPS district commissioner Major-General Fred Kekana instructed the participants to treat the community members professionally and with respect at all times. He reminded them that the objective of law enforcement was to protect the country’s citizens and their property and maintain public order.
The operation comprised several roadblocks around Carletonville and crime prevention activities focused on searching for vehicles used in hijackings, the transportation of stolen property, illegal firearms and drugs, and checking compliance with the Road Traffic Act. The police also looked for illegal miners, held stop and searches and traced wanted suspects.A total of 119 suspects were arrested during the operation. Among those arrested were a rape suspect, five suspects for attempted murder, three for armed robbery, two for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, 29 for housebreaking and theft, one for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, one for reckless and negligent driving and one for the possession of nyaope. Several illegal immigrants were also among those arrested.
A total of 284 people and 136 vehicles were searched during the roadblocks.
The operation continued until 00:45 the following day. All the suspects appeared in the Khutsong and Carletonville Magistrates’ Courts.
The police urge community members to immediately report any criminal activity to the nearest police station or contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or SMS 32211. You can remain anonymous.
