Police in the West Rand District made 117 arrests in yet another mass Operation Okae Molao. This time it was conducted in Westonaria and Bekkersdal on Thursday, 4 February.
According to Captain Raymond Sebonyane, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and Krugersdorp Police Station, suspects were arrested for various offences ranging from attempted murder (three), assault GBH (18), common assault (three), domestic abuse (seven), armed robbery (one), common robbery (one), rape (one), housebreaking and theft (two), theft from vehicle (one), possession of illegal firearm and ammunition (one), possession of drugs (five), drunken driving (three), possession of stolen property (11), illegal mining, and undocumented foreign nationals (34).
“At one of the roadblocks, a 27-year-old man was arrested after failing to produce his driver’s licence and attempting to bribe a police officer,” Sebonyane said.
He added that during the operation, another man aged 34 was arrested for possession of a motor vehicle alleged to have been stolen in Brownville during October 2020.
The integrated operation is aimed at curbing crime around the area by eliminating illegal firearms, hijacked vehicles, stolen goods, drugs and other illegal activities, and making sure that the Disaster Management Act regulations were adhered to. Roadblocks, suspect tracing, and stops-and-searches were also conducted,” Sebonyane said.
He said police managed to arrest suspect for offences such as fraud, theft, intimidation, malicious damage to property, dealing in dagga, and reckless and/ or negligent driving.
“A total of 38 road traffic fines to the value of R31 000 were issued, and one sky-blue Toyota Etios, one Z88 9mm pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition and one 9mm magazine were confiscated. All arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrate Court soon,” Sebonyane said.
Sebonyane has advised motorists to use the following tips:
• Keep a safe distance between you and other cars so that you can have control in case of an emergency.
• Stay off your phone and check for suspicious people moving around, especially when stopping at a traffic light or stop sign.
• Keep your vehicle doors locked, and always trust your instincts.
• Be observant and vigilant.
• Carefully observe the physical characteristics of the hijackers and the vehicles they use to commit crime.
• Use routes that are frequently used by other motorists.
• Do not stop when someone is flashing their lights at you; drive to the nearest police station.
• Do not stop in secluded areas.
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police commissioner thanked law-enforcement agencies for showing dedication to combat crime that is disturbing the peace in the community.
Kekana also encouraged all the stakeholders to adhere to Covid-19 safety regulations at all times, while they are on and off duty.
As the state we will continue to stamp our authority so that the West Rand District is safe, and to ensure there is always law and order,” Kekana added.
