According to the communication officer of the police in Khutsong, Captain Eddie Boboko, the police, SANDF, Gauteng and Merafong City municipal traffic and security officers, police community safety and crime intelligence officers, the departments of home affairs and correctional services as well as security personnel from Sibanye-Stillwater, took part in the O Kae Molao operation on 17 September. The action took place in Carletonville and Khutsong from 06:30 to 14:45. It included roadblocks, crime prevention operations and checks for compliance with legislation regulating the sale of liquor and second-hand goods.
The crime intelligence-driven operation also focused on detecting suspects for gender-based violence, murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, burglary and theft of motor vehicles.
A total of 227 arrests were made. Among these were three for murder, nine for robbery, 17 for rape, three for sexual assault, 49 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and eight for assault. One arrest was for business robbery, another for business burglary and six for residential burglary. One suspect was charged with vehicle theft and a second for trying to steal a motor vehicle. Four arrests were for fraud and 17 for theft.
Meanwhile, 17 people were arrested for possession of drugs, namely crystal meth and Mandrax. Three people were also arrested for driving under the influence of liquor, while 27 people were arrested for crimes related to gender-based violence. The group also arrested 34 undocumented immigrants and one person in possession of a hijacked car.
A total of 33 fines were issued during the roadblock and crime prevention operation. Six fines to the amount of R4,000 were issued for contravening the tobacco act, two fines totalling R1,000 for contravening the food and cosmetic act and 20 traffic fines to the value of R28,000 were also issued.
“As we approach the festive season, we are firmly committed to developing and enhancing strategies to fight crime. We are working in collaboration with various stakeholders and law-abiding citizens around the West Rand district. Our presence here today bears testimony to our constitutional obligation, which is to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the West Rand and their property. It includes upholding and enforcing the law,” said Brigadier Marinda Theron, the operational commander under the overall command of the district commissioner, Major-General Fred Kekana.
