Sustained efforts by the police to enhance visibility as part of the Safer Festive Season operations resulted in the arrest of 353 suspects in the Southern Cape during various operations which commenced on Friday, 3 January 2020 until Sunday morning, 5 January 2020.
These operations were designed to ensure that the public are and feel safe were conducted in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies which included the Western Cape Provincial Traffic. The operations included roadblocks, stop and search operations, visits to liquor outlets, foot-and-beach patrols, enhanced visibility through vehicle patrols, regular visits to shopping centres and the detection of wanted suspects.
A special focus by the police on serious and violent crimes resulted in the police arrested one suspect for murder and seven on charges of rape. A total of 24 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm and the police also arrested 30 suspect after dangerous weapons were found in their possession. A further six suspects were tracked down and arrested on robbery charges.
The continued fight against alcohol and drug abuse yielded positive results during stop and search operations. These operations were specifically aimed at drug and liquor outlets. It resulted in the arrest of 55 suspects for drug related offences and two for selling liquor without valid licences. These shebeens were closed down and small amounts of liquor confiscated.
The police also confiscated 300 Mandrax tablets and arrested two suspects after drugs were found inside their motor vehicle at Conville, George. Vigilant members attached Conville Crime Prevention unit pursued a suspicious looking vehicle that was traveling on the Nelson Mandela Boulevard. They later stopped the vehicle and upon searching the vehicle found a black bag containing Mandrax tablets as well as small amounts of Tik inside. Both the driver and his passenger were arrested on charges of possession of drugs.
Further, road safety operations such as roadblocks and random vehicle checkpoints resulted in the arrest of 15 suspects on drunken driving charges.
With the holiday season nearing an end, police visibility will be maintained with a special focus on hotspots as well as entry and exit routes of the Western Cape. A zero tolerance approach are being maintained and these operations will continue beyond the festive season period.
All the arrested suspects are expected to appear in various courts in the Southern Cape where they will face the charges against them.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
