West Rand Police arrested 184 people during crime-prevention and tracing operations in the District over the weekend.
Sergeant Elsie Tshonte from the West Rand District Police’s communications explained that the operations started on Friday, July 30 at 06:00 and lasted until Sunday, August 1 at 06:00.
She added that even though they conduct these types of operations, the normal policing in the District continues even with the Covid-19 pandemic and level 3 lockdown regulations in effect.
The 184 arrests included:
• Three for murder
• Four for armed robbery
• Two for rape
• One for attempted rape
• One for statutory rape
• Two for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in terms of the Domestic Violence Act
• Two for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• Five for assault common in terms of the Domestic Violence Act
• Two for assault common
• Two for assault on police and contravention of the Disaster Management Act
• Two for theft
• One for malicious damage to property and theft
• One for malicious damage to property and assault common in terms of the Domestic Violence Act
• One for malicious damage to property and assault common
• Two for malicious damage to property
• Four for housebreaking and theft
• 18 for drunken driving
• One for illegal possession of ammunition
• One for possession of a hijacked motor vehicle
• 16 for possession of gold-bearing material
• Two for bribery
• Five for possession of drugs
• One for possession of stolen property
• One for possession of copper cable
• Four for warrant of detention
• One for possession of dagga
• One for possession of a dangerous weapon
• One for transportation of liquor
• Four for dealing in liquor without a licence
• One for culpable homicide
Other crimes such as contravention of a protection order and of the Disaster Management Act, undocumented persons, drinking in public and trespassing were also policed.
“I am delighted that members are committed in crime-combating operations and tracing wanted suspects, and the efforts put in by other law-enforcement agencies in the District. Lastly policing is a concerted effort, and information the community shared with the police shows the trust the community of the West Rand has, and is appreciated,” said West Rand District Police Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana.
Police also warned that hijackings on the West Rand have been increasing. They warned motorists to be vigilant when they use the N12, N14, R41, R559, R501, R563, M13, R24, R28 and Impala roads.
Criminals are pretending to be police members, and there are people who show motorists they have a flat tyre to get them to pull over, or indicate to truck drivers that something has fallen off their truck.
“Recently these hijackers have been taking vehicles in the suburbs while victims are opening and closing their gates.”
They shared some safety tips:
• 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 show you that you have a flat tyre or that something is wrong on your vehicle.
• Do not give any hitchhikers lifts.
• If strangers are loitering or there is a suspicious vehicle near or at your driveway, rather drive past first.
• Limit your night trips or at least take someone along.
The public is encouraged to report any criminal activity to the nearest police station immediately or to contact the Crime Stop line 08600 10111. Alternatively information can be shared via the My SAPS app or the SMS line on 32211 to remain anonymous.
