Over the past weekend, police in the West Rand District made a total of 127 arrests during joint crime-prevention operations and suspect tracing.
The operations started at 6am on Friday, 9 April and concluded at 6am on Sunday, 11 April. According to Captain Raymond Sebonyane, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police and the Krugersdorp Police, the efforts yielded great results and helped to ensure that communities on the West Rand feel safer and protected.
“Normal policing within the district continues, even during the Covid-19 pandemic of which the prescribed regulations are being monitored and enforced through a multidisciplinary approach,” he said.
Of the 127 suspects arrested, 34 were arrested during an O Kae Molao operation in Randfontein from 7.30pm on Saturday, 10 April to 2am on Sunday, 11 April.
During the operation an illegal liquor outlet was identified in Brandvlei, Randfontein. The members went to close it, but while they were busy inside, the patrons grouped themselves and attacked the police vehicles outside by throwing stones at them,” said Sebonyane.
He added that gas and stun grenades were then used to disperse the crowd, and that about four police vehicles were damaged. Fortunately no injuries were reported.
“A case of malicious damage to property was opened and investigations continue.”
According to Sebonyane those arrested will be appearing in various magistrates’ courts.
A breakdown of the arrests:
• One for attempted murder
• Thirteen for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• Seven for common assault
• Eight for domestic violence related crimes
• One for robbery
• Six for rape
• Three for malicious damage to property
• One for possession of stolen property
• One for theft out of a motor vehicle
• Five for theft
• One for fraud
• Three for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition
• 22 for drug-related crimes
• Twelve for drunken driving
• One for bribery
Other crimes included contravention of protection order, contempt of court, defeating the ends of justice, possession of dangerous weapons, possession of gold-bearing material, contravening the National Disaster Management Act regulations, undocumented persons, dealing in liquor without a licence, drinking in public, and trespassing.
“I am delighted that members are committed during crime-combating operations and when tracing wanted suspects, and by the efforts put in by other law-enforcement agencies in the District. Lastly, policing is a concerted effort, and the information the community shared with the police shows the trust the community of the West Rand has, and it is appreciated,” commented the Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Ngwako Mashao when he commended the members.
Sebonyane also mentioned that there has been an increase in hijackings around the West Rand, and police warn motorists to be vigilant when using the N12, N14, R41, R559, R500, R501, M13, R28 and Impala roads as criminals pretend to be police.
They will show you that you got a flat tyre and they also show truck drivers that something has fallen from the truck.”
The police shared some safety tips in this regard:
• Always drive with your doors locked.
• If you suspect you are being followed drive to the nearest police station or a busy public area.
• Do not stop when another driver shows you that you have a flat tyre or that something is wrong on your vehicle.
• Do not give any hitchhikers lifts.
They also continue to encourage the public to report any criminal activities to their nearest police station immediately, or contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, communicate via the My SAPS app, or to utilise the SMS line 32211 and remain anonymous.
