Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner vowed to selflessly serve, protect and ensure that those who find themselves on the wrong side of the law in the District are brought to book.
The announcement comes after more than 100 arrests were made by police in the West Rand District, including Bekkersdal, during yet another intelligent-driven O Kae Molao crime-prevention and detectives operations from 6.30am to 3pm in neighbouring Krugersdorp and Muldersdrift yesterday, Thursday, 4 June.
Major General Kekana emphasised the dangers of the pandemic and encouraged everyone in the West Rand District to adhere to and apply recommended precautions to reduce the transmission of the virus. He further said that the level of crime still poses a serious threat to our democracy, and at the same time threatens the right and freedom of many law-abiding citizens.
He added that despite an alarming number of infections around the West Rand, safety and security are everyone’s constitutional right, and that these operations remain vital.
They set up roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, ensured rural safety, checked second-hand goods and liquor outlets, and raided suspects to squeeze the perpetrators of crime out of their comfort zones. They minimised unnecessary movements by enforcing compliance with Level 3 regulations.
According to Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and the Bekkersdal Police, 110 suspects were arrested for serious offences ranging from armed and common robbery, housebreaking and theft, business burglary, theft in general, theft our of a motor vehicle, malicious damage to property, fraud, possession of drugs, possession of dagga, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of suspected stolen property, pointing a firearm, assault GBH, common assault and domestic-related assaults.
She added that minor offences such as undocumented persons, contempt of court, contravention of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 regulations (dealing in tobacco products, providing cross-border passenger transport, and selling counterfeit goods) resulted in 13 police fines to the value of R15 950 and 44 traffic fines to the value of R44 050 being issued.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.
