A total of 192 suspects were arrested in the West Rand District during joint operations conducted by police and other law-enforcement agencies during the Christmas long weekend.
During a safer festive season Okae Malao operation which was held across Mogale City, Rand West City and Merafong City between 14:00 and 23:30 on Christmas Eve (December 24) 87 arrests were made.
“Police in the West Rand District will continue to make the community feel safe and protected. It is our mandate to prevent, combat and investigate crime, maintain law and order, and protect and secure the inhabitants of the District,” said West Rand District Police and Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Captain Raymond Sebonyane.
The operations resulted in the following arrests:
• One for murder
• One for attempted murder
• Eleven for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• One for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and resisting arrest
• Three for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm under the Domestic Violence Act
• Three for common assault
• Ten for common assault under the Domestic Violence Act
• Four for armed robbery
• Two for business robbery
• Two for house robbery
• Two for common robbery
• One for assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest
• Four for common assault and malicious damage to property
• One for assaulting a minor and rape
• Four for armed robbery
• Three for malicious damage to property
• Three for malicious damage to property under the Domestic Violence Act
• Two for intimidation under the Domestic Violence Act
• Four for rape
• One for rape and sexual assault
• One for sexual assault
• Two for housebreaking and theft
• Two for housebreaking with intent to steal
• One for motor vehicle theft
• One for being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle
• Five for theft
• One for theft and common assault
• One for livestock theft
• One for attempted arson
• Three for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm
• Seven for being in possession of stolen property
• Twenty for drug-related crimes
• Thirty-two for drunk driving
• One for drunk driving and reckless and/ or negligent driving
• One for kidnapping
• One for defeating the ends of justice
• One for escaping from lawful custody
• Two for crimen injuria and resisting arrest
Other crimes committed include selling liquor without a licence, obstructing police while performing their duties, pointing of a firearm, contravening the Disaster Management Act, being in possession of a dangerous weapon and undocumented persons.
“Many people have fun this time of year. They are enjoying quality time with family and friends by braaiing and drinking alcohol; however, some are driving under the influence,” Captain Sebonyane said.
Police also gave the following advice to avoid drunk driving:
• Always choose a non-drinking designated driver every time you go out.
• If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water.
• Never feel pressured to drink alcohol.
• If you have been drinking alcohol, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride or lift.
• Never get in a car if the driver had been drinking alcohol or using an intoxicating substance.
• Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.
All suspects will be appearing in magistrates’ courts in the District.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner welcomed the successes during the long weekend and thanked all members and other law-enforcement agencies for making sure that those who are in conflict with the law are brought to book.
