A number of shebeens that are operating illegally were shut down and numerous people were arrested during a massive Women’s Month operation at the start of the long weekend.
According to Captain Raymond Sebonyane, West Rand District Police spokesperson, six liquor outlets were visited and three were closed in Randfontein, Carletonville and Westonaria respectively.
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He explained that from 10pm on Thursday, 7 August until 5am on Women’s Day (Friday, 9 August), policewomen in the West Rand District together with the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Rural Safety patrollers led by two brigadiers – one of them the West Rand District Visible Policing commander, Brigadier Mashadi Selepe – continued a Woman’s Month district operation called O kae Molao.
“Considering that most crimes against women are committed after they have been to liquor outlets, our women in blue, backed by their male counterparts, conducted an undercover operation in civilian clothing. They raided sheebens and taverns, and did stop-and-searches on various premises, including taxi ranks in Randfontein, Westonaria and Carletonville.
“The focus was on liquor outlets and during the operation, unaccompanied female patrons were even removed from these places for their own safety. The risk of being at such places and being under the influence of liquor was pointed out to them, as they were exposing themselves to opportunist criminals.”
Captain Sebonyane added that four people were arrested for drunkenness, one for interfering with police duties, one for possession of a dangerous weapon and three fines for non-compliance were issued to liquor outlets.
A total of 1 837 patrons and the outlets were searched, and unaccounted for dangerous weapons were found hidden.”
Brigadier Selepe issued a stern warning regarding crimes that are perpetrated against women resulting from alcohol abuse. The brigadier also thanked and appreciated the members, community patrollers and rural safety team for their efforts and commitment to ensuring the successful execution of the operations.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the various Magistrates’ Courts in the district soon.
