According to Captain Eddie Boboko of the Khutsong police, police from the West Rand District, led by the area commissioner, Major-General Fred Kekana, embarked on various operations last weekend.
The action started at 06:00 on Friday, 16 April and continued to 06:00 on Sunday, 18 April. Fifty-eight suspects were apprehended in Carletonville and Khutsong during the operation. Most offenders were arrested for driving under the influence of liquor. The authorities pulled off 43 drunken drivers, 21 of whom were detained in Carletonville. Various other offenders were also arrested. Two people were arrested for murder and another for murder and attempted murder.
Another was found in possession of a hijacked vehicle. Two people were caught in possession of unlicensed firearms, while six were nabbed for the theft of gold-bearing material. One suspect was in possession of a stolen vehicle, while 17 were arrested for the possession of drugs. Two others were found in possession of dagga. A suspect was arrested in possession of stolen property, while seven were arrested for common robbery. A total of 21 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), while one was arrested for vehicle theft.
Five people were arrested for assault linked to domestic violence and seven for contravening protection orders.
Another two were arrested for defeating the ends of justice. Other arrests were for rape, sexual assault, the pointing of a firearm and public violence. Five suspects were arrested on charges of business burglary and another five for damage to infra- structure. Four suspects each were arrested on housebreaking and theft, trespassing and shoplifting charges. Two suspects were arrested for reckless and negligent driving and another two for having outstanding warrants of arrest.Meanwhile, three fines were issued for contravening the Liquor Act and three illegal liquor outlets were shut down. Another 20 suspects were arrested for non-compliance with the Covid-19 restrictions under the Disaster Management Act.
“Crime-prevention operations aim to create conditions in which crime opportunities are re- duced. They include roadblocks, patrols, cordon-and-search operations, visits, compliance inspections and searches of premises, persons and vehicles,” said Kekana.
He thanked the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies for their dedication in leaving no stone unturned to assure the community’s safety. The people who were arrested are expected to appear in various courts within the area soon.
