Mayor concerned over low level of prosecution
JOHANNESBURG – A total of 557 arrests were made in Joburg in January.
Despite the hard work done by the Metro police, City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba said he was concerned over the low prosecution rate on arrested suspects.
Mashaba said this during the tabling of the January performance report of the Metro police on 19 February at the City Council Chambers.
“We will continue work with our law enforcement authorities to see to it that where arrests are made by JMPD, these cases are not only investigated but also properly prosecuted by law enforcement authorities,” said Mashaba.
A total of 557 arrests were made in January with Alexandra and Sandton leading with the number of those arrested driving under the influence of alcohol at 117. This was followed by the inner city with 87 arrests, Midrand with 44 and Randburg with 32. Possession of an unlicensed firearm and negligent and reckless driving was relatively low with less than five arrests made respectively, on all five mentioned areas.
The Metro police managed to recover 64 hijacked vehicles, an increase from the 51 that was recorded in December last year. Five firearms were recovered as well as 141g of drugs. The K9 Unit of the department arrested 13 people in possession of hijacked or stolen vehicles, eight in possession of stolen goods, three with unlicensed firearms, one for murder and four for possession of or dealing in drugs. The unit also recovered 44 hijacked vehicles.
A total of 4 602 vehicles were stopped on the freeway, 3 861 were searched and 2 062 citations were issued. On the 94 nightlife operations conducted last month, 100 citations were issued and only one arrest was made. A number of 6 124 vehicles were stopped during roadblocks, 52 vehicles were discontinued, 3 337 citations were issued and 36 arrests were made. Eight bad buildings were raided leading to seven arrests made for trespassing and contempt of court.
Metro police Chief, David Tembe said more infringement notices are expected to be issued next month compared to the 178 919 for speed violation this month. “I am warning motorists in the city that speed cameras have resumed working on our roads,” said Tembe.
Operation Buya Mthetho has pounced on 129 illegal water connections and has seen 90 illegally connected electricity meters removed, including 3 100kg of cables. Perishable and non-perishable goods at the value of more than R100 000 were impounded.
Seven Metro police employees were arrested, 14 cases of misconduct were recorded and 10 employees were suspended.
Tembe further spoke about the increasing number of illegal dumping across the city. “We really need to do something different. I would request Mr Mayor that we increase the fines for illegal dumping because we keep on fining the same people who come back and repeat the same offence,” he said.
Which areas do you think the Metro police need to improve on?
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Joburg mayor, Herman Mashaba releases crime stats for January
