Police arrested 158 people in the period from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November as their festive season operations started in the District.
According to Captain Eddie Boboko, West Rand District police spokesperson, operations focused on crime prevention, rural safety, roadblocks, and compliance by liquor outlets and dealers in secondhand goods in order to squeeze the space for criminals to operate in. The focus was also on the transportation of illegal goods, firearms and drugs, and recovering stolen or hijacked vehicles.
The arrests included 13 for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for possession of an unlicensed firearm, one for possession of ammunition, five for operating an unlicensed liquor premises (now closed), one for possession of a dangerous weapon, five for selling liquor without a licence, eight for assault under domestic violence, seven for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one for sexual assault, one for rape and one for attempted murder. Four fines to the value of R6 000 were issued in terms of the Liquor Act 59 of 2003.
Others arrests were linked to a variety of crimes ranging from robbery, malicious damage to property, theft, intimidation, possession of gold-bearing material, crimen injuria, reckless and negligent driving, pointing a firearm, possession of stolen goods and possession of drugs. Forty-five arrests were made for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
All arrested suspects will appear in different magistrates’ courts in the District soon.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner welcomed the successes and applauded the police members and other law-enforcement agencies who committed themselves to making sure that communities are safe.
Kekana reminded police officers to always take care of themselves and follow the correct protocols in the prevention, control and management of Covid-19.
He thanked the community members who are always there to assist the police with information in the fight against crime; assisting in the apprehension of these criminals.
“Kekana also appealed to the community to stay home and comply with the regulations of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002,” Boboko said.
Kekana had the following festive season message: “The festive season is a time when many people take time off from work to visit their friends or family, or just to relax at home. During this time, take precautions to ensure that you and your family are safe. Stand together as a community against crime, and get to know your neighbours. Hijacking of trucks and motor vehicles, and house robberies are a concern in the District. We request the community to be vigilant when driving on different routes. Don’t give lifts to hitchhikers or stop when signalled to do so. Rather stop at the nearest garage or police station.”
