West rand operations sees 313 suspects arrested

South African Police Service

West rand operations sees 313 suspects arrested
West rand operations sees 313 suspects arrested

Intensified “O Kae Molao” Operations by the integrated Gauteng Law Enforcement Agencies culminated in the arrest of more than 313 suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and Eskom Cables worth R1.2 million at a second hand dealer today.

The multidisciplinary and intelligence-driven operations that started in Randfontein in the early hours of the morning were led by the Premier of Gauteng, Mr David Makhura, MEC for Community Safety, Ms Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela. These operations were concentrating on the policing precinct of Kagiso, Westonaria, Bekkersdal, Randfontein, Krugersdorp and two roadblocks on N12 and R28 within the West Rand District.

The operation also focused on illegal mining that is rife in the West Rand. The perpetrators kidnap unsuspecting victims and use them as illegal miners underground. Police managed to arrest the suspects, recover unlicensed firearms and illegal mining implements.

All Law Enforcement Agencies supported by West Rand District, comprising of SAPS Gauteng District’s Vispol, K9 Unit, Flying Squad, Crime Intelligence, Crime Detection, Organised Crime Units, Gauteng Traffic, Rand West Public Safety and Community Patrollers with the support of the Environmental Health, SARS and Home Affairs took part in operations that included road blocks, tracing of wanted suspects, raiding of illegal liquor outlets and second hand goods dealers as well as stop and search.

“As these joint operations gain momentum towards stamping the authority of the State and reclaiming the streets of Gauteng, Operation “O Kae Molao” will continue until crime is brought to its lowest levels, and the inhabitants of the Province are and feel safe all the time. At the same time Gauteng has made major breakthroughs in various high level crimes and I would like to thank the dedicated men and women in blue” said Lieutenant General Mawela.

The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety also commended the police for good work. “I applaud the work of the law enforcement agencies in this joint operation to root out criminal elements in our society. Their zeal and work is commendable and I hope they will maintain this momentum throughout,” said the MEC.

The arrested suspects will appear in various Magistrates’ Courts in due course for charges ranging from possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of drugs, business robbery and fraud.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service