Several people were arrested and stolen items seized by police and security firms in Plastic View informal settlement on Friday.
Beer cases being delivered to an illegal shebeen were also confiscated, said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Miller.
He said the operation was a team effort by police and security firms, targeting two spots believed to be hotbeds of criminal activity in the Moreleta Park informal settlement.
A Rekord reporter was invited along.
Five security firms, ADT, Fedility, Brinant, Bull Security and Directorate of Specialized Security, were briefed beforehand at the Garsfontein police station.
It was raining as the law-enforcement convoy entered the settlement, sirens screaming.
People were heard whistling as police and security officers were making their way to the targeted areas.
DSS spokesperson Brandon Morgan later explained that this was a signal to warn the criminals that police were in the vicinity.
One of the targeted areas was locked and empty, leading police to believe that the occupants were tipped off.
The raid continued and a number of spots were searched and several people arrested.
Police also seized a stolen cellphone tower battery, a generator and dagga plants.
There was tension in the air when scores of locals emerged from their houses and surrounded the police and security officers.
Miller reacted by imploring the teams to stay together at all times.
Morgan said it was vital to stay calm and not escalate matters as the residents would retaliate if provoked.
The operation continued and police and security firms were about to withdraw when they noticed a van carrying beer. It was a homemade brew in five-litre bottles headed for an illegal shebeen.
The beer was seized and the driver taken to the police station.
Miller said similar team raids would be conducted in other areas.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
