The second phase of “Operation Fiela” which was recently re-launched in Gauteng – the first phase was launched in 2015 – commenced in earnest in Ekurhuleni, last Saturday.
The operation sweeps areas and places from which criminals operate, searching for undocumented people and targeting wanted suspects.
The chief of the EMPD, Isaac Jabulani Mapiyeye, spearheaded the joint operation comprising of both EMPD and SAPS members, last Saturday night between 7pm and midnight, raiding taverns and all pre-identified problematic spots in Germiston.
“This crime-fighting programme will be relentlessly carried out to ensure that the city is made a safer place for all its citizens and those visiting and passing through it,” Mapiyeye said.
“Our presence must be both seen and felt by all and we shall ensure that the criminality space is drastically contracted,” the Chief added.
The Chief also gave a “pep talk” to residents of all the areas raided imploring them to report crimes in their areas.
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In Primrose, including the Makause informal settlement, one tavern operating illegally was shut down and the 54-year-old owner arrested.
Seventy-one cases of liquor were seized from the tavern.
In the Germiston CBD, on the corner of President and Odendaal streets, outside an old theatre, more than 50 people were found drinking in public and were removed.
“The JJ Pub on Meyer Street was raided and over 30 patrons were frisked and the place thoroughly searched,” said Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago, spokesperson for the EMPD.
“Thereafter, the Moon Sports Bar opposite the JJ Pub was also swooped upon and the place and the patrons searched.
“A 43-year-old patron was found in possession of 15 ziplock bags of dagga and was arrested.”
In Elsburg, three taverns operating without liquor licenses were shut down and their three owners aged between 44 and 61 years old were arrested.
“All the confiscated goods and drugs were booked in and arrestees locked up at the Elsburg, Primrose and Germiston Police Stations.
“They were expected to appear in court last Monday,” said Kgasago.
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