These arrests were made between June 11 and June 16. It seems there is no stereotype for an average criminal as the 19 people that were arrested are between the ages of 19 and 49. The crimes include assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, residential burglary, possession of drugs, possession of stolen property, and shoplifting.
On June 12 four men were arrested for drugs at a house in Ga-Nala. Police followed up on information about drugs being sold from a residential address. The police found four suspects at the house apparently all in possession of drugs. During the search they also charged one of the suspects with possession of stolen property. They did appear in the Kriel Magistrates Court but their case was postponed to July 17 for further investigation.
During police stop and search operation on June 16, a 37 year old suspect was arrested for allegedly being in possession of stolen property. The suspect was driving a white Toyota Hilux when he was pulled over by Kriel SAPS on the road between eMalahleni and Ga-Nala. According to police the bakkie and trailer where abnormally loaded. They searched the load and found a TV decoder and bicycles among other things.
The suspect was apparently unable to give a clear explanation for why he was transporting these items or provide proof of purchase. He appeared in the Kriel Magistrates Court on June 17; however his case was postponed until June 23 for a formal bail application.
The police would like to encourage the community to report any suspicious or criminal activities to reject stolen items as this promotes a market for the criminals and receiving stolen property as it is punishable by law. To report a crime contact the Kriel SAPS on
017 648 2266/7
