Crime plan implemented into action

NORWOOD – The provincial commissioner also addressed the missing firearms during the operation.

January 27, 2022

Naidine Sibanda 1 minute read

Provincial police officers address the media. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

Operation Okae Molao kicked off with zest in Norwood on the night of January 22.

The multi-disciplinary integrated operation was attended by several stakeholders including SAPS, Metro police, Department of Home Affairs, Immigration branch, Gauteng Traffic and Norwood Community Police Forum. Also in attendance were Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett, Ward 74 councillor Belinda Echeozonjoku as well as Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatshe.

A taxi driver takes a breathalyzer test conducted by a traffic officer. Photo: Naidine Sibanda

A massive road-block was set up on Louis Botha Avenue and SAPS Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela said, “We started with a bang yesterday [January 21] as detectives managed to [arrest] over 500 wanted suspects. In this roadblock, we have [arrested] 36 undocumented persons. We have arrested 10 people for drunken driving and we have positively identified a stolen vehicle… “We have also closed two shebeens.”

Addressing the issue of the missing firearms at Norwood Police Station, he said it was discovered that guns had gone missing in July last year. “Once we discovered that there were firearms stolen from the police station, we conducted an audit led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation to check for us how many firearms were lost. Thus far, we discovered that 158 firearms were lost.”

Officers of the Okae Molao operation visit places of entertainment in Orange Groove, Norwood and Highlands Park. Photo: Twitter

He added that a team led by the SAPS head of inspectorate would conduct a holistic inspection of the running of the police station. “The station commander then decided to [resign]. However, we continue the investigation. He [station commander] is a South African citizen and if there is anything that he needs to account for, he will be called upon.”

Operation O Kae Molao saw the inspection of derelict buildings. Photo: Twitter

“On Monday, the district commissioner will be deploying a new acting station commander. When we move forward, we would be looking at the overall management because we want to look at people who will put the interest of their work at heart. People who will work for the citizens of this country instead of those who will work for themselves.”