Authorities are out in full force to ensure a safer festive season for all.
On November 23, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko joined Mogale City Local Municipality’s Public Safety, Mogale City’s traffic chief, Chief Nchefu, the West Rand District Vispol Support Commander Colonel Greyling and Krugersdorp Police Station Commander Brigadier Happy Xaba kick-started the Arrive Alive Safe Festive Season Operation in Krugersdorp.
During the launch, Gauteng Traffic Police and Mogale City Traffic collaborated to stage a roadblock at the Krugersdorp Game Reserve. This resulted in the arrest of one person who was in possession of a firearm without having a license.
“I want road users to respect the law. Please know there is no place to hide and know officers are not going to do any favours nor accept bribery,” Mazibuko said.
More stops and searches were also conducted. On that same day, the West Rand Police made their presence felt when they conducted Operation Shanela in Kagiso.
The operation was led by brigadiers from Kagiso, Krugersdorp, and Randfontein police stations with Brigadier Mashole Manamela as the overall commander.
The police were also assisted by Gauteng Community Safety, Gauteng Traffic Police, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Correctional Services, Environment and Health inspectors, Mogale City MMC for Public Safety councillor Francis Makgatho, Mogale City traffic, crime prevention wardens and Siyabangena community patrollers.
The operation was divided into seven phases namely a roadblock on the corner of the M13 and R41 next to Azaadville, a group focusing on illegal mining at Rietvallei Ext 2 and 3, Sinqobile, Lancaster and Soul City.
In addition, two crime prevention groups were patrolling central Kagiso, Soul City, Chamdor, Azaadville, Chief Mogale, Ext 6 and 9, and Madala Hostel while two additional Firearms, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods Services (FLASH) units focused on Rietvallei Extn 2 and 3, Swaneville Ext 12, 13, and 14. A vehicle checkpoint closely monitored the N12, R28 and Randfontein’s ‘flower road’.
Altogether, 107 people were arrested.
Fifty-five arrests were also made by the Vispol groups for crimes including being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, drug-related crimes, possession of a dangerous weapon, dealing in liquor without licenses, and illegal mining activities. More than 40 undocumented persons were arrested as well.
Furthermore, the detectives made 52 arrests for crimes including armed robbery, common robbery, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, housebreaking and theft, theft from a motor vehicle, theft, fraud, malicious injury to property, kidnapping, contravening a protection order, tampering with infrastructure, culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.
Then, regarding traffic violations, officers issued 21 fines worth R20 700 and the police FLASH group also issued one J534 worth R1 500 for non-compliance with the Secondhand Goods Act. Six additional notices were also issued by the environmental authorities for non-compliance with the Health Regulations Act.
