Police in the West Rand District arrested 203 people in the Randfontein policing precinct last week while continuing their intensified crime-fighting initiative called Operation Okae Molao.
Sergeant Rebecca Phithi, the West Rand District Police spokesperson, said the operation is another tool to address the root causes of crime and to bring perpetrators to justice.
“This initiative is a concerted effort to deal with incidents of all crime categories in the District.”
She said the operation targeted the crime-infested area of Randfontein with roadblocks, tracing wanted suspects, crime prevention, and staggered stops-and-searches.
Sergeant Phithi added that high levels of crime always result in the deprivation of the rights and dignity of citizens, and pose a threat to peaceful resolution of differences. The police are duty-bound to deal with crime decisively and act in a proactive manner to crime, even before it happens.
Fines to the value of R41 000 00 were issued for 34 road traffic transgressions, three liquor outlets were closed and 266 320ml of alcoholic beverages were confiscated, one person was arrested for attempted murder, 46 were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and 13 were arrested for domestic-related assaults during the operation.
The police seized a Toyota Quantum used by illegal miners, and 13 miners were arrested for being in possession of gold-bearing material.
She added that suspects were also arrested for various crimes which included armed robbery, fraud, business burglary, housebreaking, and for possession of and dealing in drugs.
Spaza shops were raided, and counterfeit goods and unhealthy food were confiscated.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner, thanked all members who took part in the operation and emphasised that as we are approaching the festive season police will continue with their various operations aligned to the broader departmental safety strategies aimed at addressing crime and utilising the relevant approaches for various safety issues.
According to Sergeant Phithi, the police will ensure that communities know how to deal with all levels of the social ills affecting the District, which include gender-based violence, and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
