Courtesy to SAPS
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has extended his appreciation to all members who have been working diligently in the the pre-weekend operations to ensure that the momentum of BuyaMtheto.
Gauteng police’s newly adopted approach to fighting crime, is sustained.
Shortly after his redeployment to Gauteng over three weeks ago as the province’s police commissioner, Lieutenant General Mawela outlined his priorities: reducing the volumes of crime in the Province with Gauteng perceived to be contributing the largest percentage to the country’s crime; addressing serious and violent crime that somehow spiked last year; addressing contact crime where residents are personally hit hardest; organised crime, drugs and human trafficking; corruption within and outside of the Service; and working closely with communities towards strengthened community-police relations.
On this basis, police in this week’s operations arrested 48 wanted suspects for various offences and serious crimes – 27 in Ekurhuleni West and 21 in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg.
A further 19 suspects were arrested during roadblocks; raids at taxi ranks, liquor outlets, second hand dealerships where at least five scrapyards were closed down for non-compliance.
One of these 19 was arrested at a roadblock for impersonating a police officer, while one woman was arrested in Leondale for possession of suspected stolen vehicle, stolen property including police reflector jackets and empty docket covers.
Parallel operations in the Joburg Central Business District saw counterfeit goods worth an estimated value of R18 million confiscated; fines issued amounting to over R28 000; and 11 suspects arrested for various crimes including rape and possession of drugs.
A total of 10 firearms were recovered, including those that were recovered during the arrest of six alleged airport-followers; five alleged Edenvale school robbers; and five alleged bank-followers in Kempton Park during the week.
This removal of firearms from criminals is a welcome boost to police’s efforts to minimise the proliferation of firearms.
Five (5) stolen motor vehicles were recovered; while three lion carcasses were discovered during a rural operation in Muldersdrift.
Another commendable success is the arrest of a Warrant Officer stationed at Evaton SAPS for his suspected involvement in the OLX vehicle sales scam. The member will appear in court on Monday 25 February 2019 on charges of kidnapping, armed robbery and extortion.
“Well done to our members for putting the safety and security of our communities first. Criminals need to understand that their days of undermining the authority of the State are numbered and this can only be achieved through the sustained integration of efforts with our partners from Metro Police and Traffic Departments, and with the sustained commitment of our law enforcement officers to serve and to protect,” said the Provincial Commissioner commending and encouraging the members.
Members of the public who are also becoming an essential partner in the fight against crime, are encouraged to continue to report crime and criminals to the police by visiting the nearest police station or calling the crime stop number 08600 101111, anonymously should they choose to
