Another large-scale Okae Molao Operation in Kagiso on June 17 was a success for police in the West Rand District when multiple weapons, illegal narcotics and other illicit goods were seized.
West Rand District Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana said, “We are here to restore law and order while we stamp the authority of the state. Let us refrain from all corrupt activities and conduct ourselves with dignity as guided by the Constitution. The aim of Okae Molao is to prioritise the safety and security of the residents, and not to harass and steal from them.”
The operation ran from 06:30 until 16:00 and involved members of Visible Policing, Crime Detection, Crime Intelligence, Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Traffic Police, Mogale City Public Safety, Johannesburg Metro Police, and Community Policing Forum patrollers. They set up roadblocks, and searched for perpetrators of contact crimes; serious and violent crimes; those running illegal liquor outlets; and those involved in illegal mining. They enforced the level 3 lockdown regulations in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, and did suspect tracing.
Kekana said 101 suspects were arrested for various crimes.
Arrests included two for murder; two for robbery; ten for assaults with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm; six for common assault under domestic violence; one for housebreaking and theft; seven for theft; nine for attempted theft; three for malicious damage to property; one for arson; two for possession of stolen property; one for possession of drugs; two for possession of dagga; one for illegal mining; one for fraud; one for contempt of court; one for contravening a protection order; seven for dealing in liquor without a licence; and 41 undocumented foreign national persons.
They confiscated 1kg dagga; 25kg gold-bearing material; three bow-tie packets of nyaope; nine phendukas; four phenduka stands; four chisels; one gas bottle; one cutting torch; one broken machine (unspecified); one stolen cellphone; and one small zip-lock packet of dagga.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Kagiso Magistrates’ Court soon.
Kekana also warned about an increase in house robbery incidents on the West Rand. Most of the perpetrators were said to have been armed and aggressive.
Members of the public are encouraged to report crime and suspicious activities by contacting their nearest police station, or the Police Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or by sending an SMS to 32211. Information may also be conveyed to the police on the My SAPS smartphone application to remain anonymous.
