Operation Okae Molao continued to make criminals feel the presence of the police when 177 suspects were arrested on Thursday July 21.
West Rand District Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Peter Masooa said the law-enforcement agencies invaded Khutsong and Carletonville policing areas through a multidisciplinary operation.
According to Masooa, the West Rand District Police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana was assisted by his senior managers to operationalise their plans and strategies to ensure that the operation was a success, and included other law-enforcement agencies and partners.
The areas focused on in Khutsong included Khutsong South, Batswaneng Extension 2, Chris Hani, New Mandela section, Sonder Water, Chiawela, Xhosa section, formal and informal settlements.
Targeted hotspots in Carletonville included P111, Agnew Bank, Randfontein Road, Deelkraal road, Dumping site, East Driefontein, Block 8, Blyvooruitzight, Carletonville CBD, Extension 5 and Welverdiend.
The arrests included one for possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of dagga; one for dealing in dagga; three for dealing in liquor without a licence; two for possession of dagga; one for possession of drugs; one for possession of gold-bearing material; four for possession of suspected stolen property; one for non-compliance and 42 illegal immigrants.
Detectives also made their mark as they traced and arrested 121 suspects.
The following arrests were made: one for attempted murder; three for common robbery; 43 for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm; three for common assault; two for rape; one for a house robbery; two for housebreaking and theft; one for business burglary; one for theft out of motor vehicle; two for drunk driving; two for possession of drugs and warrant of arrest; six for possession of stolen property; 22 for theft; one for fraud; eight for malicious damage to property; five for kidnapping; four for pointing a firearm; one for culpable homicide; two for reckless and negligent driving; four for contravention of protection orders; and six for common assault that’s domestic violence related.
The roadblock resulted in 105 fines valued at R103 600 being issued for various traffic offences.
“All arrested suspects will appear before the Carletonville and Khutsong Magistrate’s Courts soon,” said Masooa.
Major General Kekana was pleased with the successes and thanked the members for their hard work.