Nine liquor outlets closed down, 113 arrests during Operation Okae Molao

Police in the West Rand District as well as other law enforcement agencies that included the Merafong Traffic Police, Mogale City Traffic Police, the Department of Community Safety, and patrollers held yet another successful Operation Okae Molao which yielded 113 arrests.

Also read: Undocumented persons, assault galore: Operation Okae Molao yields 96 arrests

The operation, led by acting West Rand District Police Commissioner Brigadier Miranda Theron, was held from 06:00 to 14:00 on Thursday, April 13 in the three municipalities in the district Merafong, Rand West, and Mogale City.

Also read: All hands on deck at Operation Okae Molao

“We want to make a mark. Criminals mustn’t have any space to breathe,” she said.

According to Captain Raymond Sebonyane, those arrested committed various crimes including:

• Murder – eight
• Assault with the intent to do grievously bodily harm – two
• Common assault under gender-based violence – 5
• Common assault – six
• Common robbery – two
• Possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition – two
• Housebreaking and theft – four
• Theft – nine
• Possession of stolen property – one
• Possession of gold – one
• Illegal mining – four
• Dagga possession – six
• Possession of a dangerous weapon – one
• Possession of drugs – 14
• Warrant of arrest for possession of drugs – one
• Bribery – one
• Fraud – four
• Pointing a firearm – two
• Absconding – one
• Malicious damage to property – four
• Intimidation – two
• Contempt of court – one
• Cruelty to animals – two
• Contravening the pharmaceutical act – one
• Contravening the tobacco act – one
• Dealing in liquor without a license – nine

A further 19 people were arrested for being undocumented citizens while a total of 51 traffic fines to the value of R40 500 were issued. Nine illegal liquor outlets were also closed and 666 295ml of liquor were confiscated.

Theron applauded and thanked everyone for their efforts.

All arrested suspects are expected to appear before their respective magistrate’s courts soon.