For the past week police in Mitchell’s Plain Cluster clamped down on criminals in their policing precinct. High density patrols, high visibility and stop and search operations of people and houses in areas identified as the high crime generating areas, were the order of the day.
A total of 623 suspects were arrested for the commission of various crimes. A total of 256 suspects were arrested on cases relating to the possession of drugs and illegal dealing in drugs. These drugs included crystal meth, also known as tik, heroin, mandrax, and dagga.
A total of 108 houses were searched for drugs. The suspects subsequently appeared in different Magistrates’ Courts in the respective areas on drug related charges.
Police also clamped down on illegal liquor outlets and arrested two suspects on liquor related charges. A total of 9 157 500 ml of liquor were confiscated. Fourteen suspects were arrested for crimes against women and children.
After attending to various shooting incidents, police in Mitchell’s Plain Cluster confiscated four firearms and ammunition. Two cases of possession of ammunition led to the arrest of nine suspects. The suspects were charged with the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The suspects will appear in a Magistrates’ Court on charges relating to the illegal possession of firearms, the possession of ammunition and tampering with a firearm.
Suspects were also arrested on warrants of arrest for various crimes during tracing operations. More suspects also made their appearance in a Magistrates’ Court after they were arrested on charges relating to murder, attempted murder, assault, rape, sexual assault, robbery, fraud, intimidation, drunk driving and possession of suspected stolen property, housebreaking and theft.
Police are engaging with their neighborhood watch structures while patrolling their respective areas. Street and court committees are actively involved in the continuous fight against crime.
The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, reiterated that police will continue clamping down on crime and its perpetrators. Police will maintain their zero tolerance approach in the combating and investigation of crime. Strengthening the partnership between the community and the police is high on the agenda as it is contributing to the reduction of crime and the apprehension of perpetrators.
He further thanked police members and the respective communities in the Mitchells Plain Cluster for a job well done during the past week.
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