According to Captain Eddie Boboko, people in Fochville and Wedela were taken by surprise when police members and other officials swarmed their streets on Thursday, 4 March. Members of the police in West Rand, the Gauteng and Merafong traffic police, community safety officials, public order policing members, community policing forum members and patrollers joined forces under the command of the district police commissioner, Major-General Fred Kekana. The action was a continuation of operation O Kae Molao.
The operation focused on crime prevention, rural safety, roadblocks, compliance with liquor outlets and second-hand goods’ stores to make it difficult for criminals to operate. The law enforcement agencies placed particular focus on the transportation of illegal goods, especially drugs and illegal firearms, and recovering stolen or hijacked vehicles.
A total of 93 suspects were arrested during the operation. Five people were charged with murder and one for attempted murder. Twenty were arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and four for common assault. A suspect was taken in for armed robbery and two for common robbery. Seven others were apprehended for rape, seven for burglary and theft and nine for theft.
The police also had successes with crimes that depend on police action to be reported.
One suspect was arrested for the possession of illegal ammunition, five for drugs, two for dagga and two for liquor trading without a licence. Other arrests were also made for malicious damage to property, assault related to domestic violence, fraud, pointing a firearm, contravening a protection order, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a stolen truck and failing to wear a mask in a public place. Several illegal immigrants were also nabbed.
Sixty fines totalling R54,400 were issued during roadblocks. People guilty of various infringements paid fines amounting to R10,300, while those caught selling illegal cigarettes had to pay fines worth R6,500. Two were fined for selling counterfeit goods worth R3,000. Two fines, also to the value of R3,000, were issued to people contravening the pharmaceutical act. Another of R1,500 was issued for non-compliance with the Liquor Act.
In total, 103 fines amounting to R78,700 were issued during the day.
The suspects all appeared in different magistrates’ courts in the district.
The West Rand district commissioner welcomed the successes and applauded the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies who committed to ensuring the public’s safety. He also thanked those who assisted the police with information that helped apprehend the criminals.
Kekana urged the community to stay home during curfew, wear their masks when out in public and comply with the National Disaster Management Act regulations.
The district commissioner issued a stern warning to police members to avoid corruption and criminal activity.
