SAPS efforts to bring an end to the possession of unlicensed firearms and dealing in drugs yielded positive results when members attached to Operation Lockdown, Bishop Lavis SAPS, South African Defense Force and other Law Enforcement Agencies embarked on chopper drops, stop and searches and visible policing operations in the Bishop Lavis precinct since 19 November 2019, at around 10:00, until the morning of 20 November 2019 at around 10:00.
After the operational briefing members were air lifted by an Oryx helicopter accompanied by members of National Intervention Unit and dropped in the area, assisted by the ground personnel. During the operation, information was received about drug dealings in Valhalla Park and members followed up on this.
When the members arrived at the location in Agnes Street, Valhalla Park, they noticed a male that fitted the description. As they approached the male, he slowly moved away from his post. When the members searched the area, they found a bag containing dagga and 18 half Mandrax tablets. An undisclosed amount of cash was also confiscated.
A 42 year old male was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs. Once charged he will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on the mentioned charge.
Bags of dagga were also found abandoned when members were dropped by the chopper near to Keurberg Road in Bishop Lavis and booked in as exhibits.
At about 09:30 on 20 November 2019, members of Maitland Flying Squad were conducting patrols in the Bishop Lavis Area when they approached the corners of Lavis Drive and 35th Avenue and spotted a white Nissan 1400 LDV. The driver changed direction when he spotted the SAPS vehicle. The members then gave chase.
A high speed chase then followed through the streets of Bishop Lavis, and members called back up. Operation vehicles responded in Sky Road, Bishop Lavis. The driver of the white Nissan LDV then lost control and the vehicle came to a halt. The occupants of the LDV fled the scene with the members in pursuit.
Upon searching the vehicle a .38 Rossi revolver was found abandoned inside. Members also found a bag containing 209 Mandrax tablets worth an estimated street value of R9405. No arrests have been made as yet.
Western Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Sindile Mfazi commended the members on the successes and for their commitment to ensure a safer area for the community of Bishop Lavis.
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