A very successful Operation Okae Malao saw 95 people being arrested in Hekpoort, Magaliesburg and Tarlton on Thursday, 21 January.
Sergeant Mulalo Ndou from West Rand District Communications explained that the crime-prevention operation was conducted in these three areas to make an impact on crime.
“The operation consisted of law-enforcement agencies from the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force, Gauteng Traffic, Mogale City Traffic, Department of Community Safety and Correctional Service,” he said.
The teams focused on roadblocks, stops-and-searches, and compliance inspections at second-hand dealers and shops, and in terms of the Disaster Management Act regulations in areas they believe to be crime infested.
They focused specifically on crimes like hijackings, house and business robberies, burglaries, motor vehicle theft, rape, gender-based violence and livestock theft in the rural policing areas.
During the operations 95 people were arrested for various crimes, such as:
* 1 person for murder
* 2 people for house robbery
* 2 people for armed robbery
* 6 people for common robbery
* 15 people for assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm
* 1 person for common assault – domestic violence
* 1 person for common assault
* 4 people for housebreaking and theft
* 1 person for business burglary
* 10 people for theft
* 1 person for possession of a stolen motor vehicle
* 3 people for possession of stolen property
* 3 people for possession of housebreaking implements
* 2 people for possession of drugs
* 10 people for malicious damage to property
* 1 person for intimidation
* 1 person for reckless and/ or negligent driving
* 4 people for drunken driving
* 1 person for use of motor vehicle without owner’s consent
* 1 person for fraud
The police also arrested people for crimes such as dealing in dagga, contravention of the Disaster Management Act regulations, dealing in liquor without a licence, tampering with infrastructure, and undocumented foreign nationals. They issued 36 traffic fines which amounted to R32 900, and confiscated 5 250ml of liquor and sorghum beer.
On behalf of the District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana, the Krugersdorp Police station commander, Brigadier Ngwako Mashao, thanked all law-enforcement agencies for their efforts and dedication by preventing and combating anything that may threaten the safety and security of any community, and by ensuring that offenders face the full might of the law.”
Because the police focused on rural areas, they also released some livestock theft prevention tips
• Maintain good relations with your neighbours, in order for them to watch over your farm when you are away. Provide them with your contact information in case of emergencies.
• Keep fences and gates in good condition.
• Send only trusted individuals to sell livestock on your behalf. Follow up to assess the accuracy of what they have told you.
• Report all incidents of livestock crime to the police as soon as possible to enable them to investigate the cases before quality evidence is destroyed.
• Make sure all cattle have electronic ear tags, and keep them up to date.
The community can —
• report incidents of stock theft to the police immediately before evidence is destroyed
• inform the police about any suspicious conduct relating to stock theft
• actively participate in anti-stock theft initiatives
• report corrupt official or officials involved in stock theft
