As part of reasserting the authority of the state, a takedown operation named “Operation Kolomaka” that started in the early hours of Thursday, 01 March 2018 in Rustenburg resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects aged between 26 and 43 for dealing and possession of drugs as well as contravention of Section 2 of Sexual Offences Act, 1957 (Act No. 23 of 1957).
The arrests came after an intensive investigation which commenced at the beginning of February 2018 to deal with alleged illicit drug dealings and brothels at various residences in Rustenburg and Tlhabane.
A cocaine with estimated street value of R400 000,00 and cash amount of R53 000,00 were seized after being found in possession of the suspects. It was also during the operation that four vehicles worth R550 000,00 were confiscated as instruments of crime.
The suspects, including one female are expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 02 March 2018. Of the 21 suspects, 15 will be facing charges of dealing and possession of drugs while the other six will appear on charges relating to contravention of Sexual Offences Act, 1957.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane who was also part of the operation, applauded the team that worked tirelessly to ensure that wrongdoers are brought to book.
She said that the operation will certainly send a strong message that there will be no mercy for criminals. She urged members of the community to work with the police to expose and deal with the criminals rather than resorting to violence as it happened when houses and businesses belonging to alleged drug dealers were set alight at the beginning of the year in Rustenburg.
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