Local police teamed up with other law enforcement forces from the West Rand Cluster in a crime prevention operation which took place in the Makhulugama informal settlement just outside Krugersdorp West.
From 3am until midnight on Thursday, 30 August, the area was searched and several illegal taverns were identified. Liquor was confiscated and suspects were arrested for selling liquor without a licence. Some of the shack owners who were in possession of illegal liquor managed to run away.
“About 23 undocumented persons were arrested. A number of phendukas were confiscated and abandoned gold bearing materials were discovered as well. A further four suspects were arrested for possession of drugs,” explained Sergeant Tshepiso Mashele, the Krugersdorp Police spokesperson.
A phenduka is used in the process of extracting gold from the rock that is mined.
“Detectives arrested suspects based on warrants of arrest they had, for different crimes. Community members then started throwing stones at the police, one of whom sustained a head injury.”
The second phase of the operation consisted of roadblocks at different locations. These were run with members of the Mogale City Traffic Department and the Community Policing Forum. Traffic fines to the value of more than R50 000 were issued.
The third phase included patrols, and stop-and-search operations in problematic sectors to increase law enforcement visibility. According to Sergeant Mashele, the operation was a success due to the commitment and dedication of other role players such as the Krugersdorp CPF and private security companies.
The station commander of Krugersdorp Police, Brigadier Mashao, applauded the members for having such a good working relationship with other law enforcement agencies.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
