Last week, police in the West Rand District made a total of 114 arrests during joint Okae Molao operations in Westonaria and Bekkersdal.
The operations were held from 05:30 to 14:00 on Thursday, June 10. West Rand District Police spokesperson, Sergeant Reginald Motsamai Moshe said police, Gauteng Traffic Police, Community Safety, the Community Policing Forum and patrollers were involved.
The aim and purpose of the operation were to restrict the movement of criminals; trace wanted suspects; search of illegal firearms, stolen property, drugs, and stolen or hijacked vehicles; and intercept transportation of prohibited goods.
“The operation consisted of two roadblocks on the N12, and R28 roads, and two intensified groups of crime prevention.”
A breakdown of the arrests:
• One for murder
• Two for business robbery
• 18 for assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm
• Four for common assault
• Four for common assault under domestic violence
• Two for common robbery
• 12 for malicious damage to property
• Three for housebreaking and theft
• Six for theft
• One for possession of ammunition
• One for possession of drugs (Mandrax)
• Four for possession of gold-bearing materials
• Two for possession of stolen property
• Five for possession of a stolen motor vehicle
• Two for reckless or negligent driving
• Two for contravening a protection order
• Three for dealing in liquor without a licence
• Two for possession of illicit cigarettes
• One for possession of drugs
• 33 illegal immigrants
• One for child neglect
Sergeant Moshe said 71 fines to the value of R63 350 were issued for contravening the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996, non-compliance with the Pharmacy Act 53 of 1974, and selling illicit goods.
Five men were arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle with false registration and chassis numbers, reflecting that the vehicle was stolen in Booysens around June 2010.”
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the respective magistrates’ courts soon.
The West Rand District Police commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana welcomed the successes and thanked all members and other law-enforcement agencies for their hard work, and making sure that those who act against the law are brought to book and face the full might of the law.
We will continue with our mandate, which is to protect and maintain law and order, and make sure that the residents of Westonaria and Bekkersdal are and feel safe.”
He also encouraged members to adhere to Covid-19 regulations and conduct themselves professionally when they are on and off duty.
Community members are urged to report any criminal activities in their area on Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or SMS number 32211 or use the My SAPS app which can be downloaded on any smartphone and remain anonymous.
