By REGINALD KANYANE
22 September 2024- More than 256 suspects were arrested by the police for various crimes during the joint weekly high density operations conducted across five districts in the Northern Cape. This was in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and Community Police Forum (CPF) structures commenced on 16 until 22 September 2024.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson,
Sergeant Molefi Shemane said disruptive actions were executed through the tracing of suspects by detectives, crime intelligence-driven actions, roadblocks, vehicle check points, as well as stop and search actions and high visibility patrols.
Shemane said the suspects were arrested through community participation and information operationalised regarding illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of cigarettes, possession of drugs, robberies, murders, assaults, rapes, burglaries residential and at businesses premises.
“Other suspects were arrested for theft of or from motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol, undocumented persons and illicit mining. The police confiscated drugs, dangerous weapons, vehicles, cell phones, copper cables, counterfeit goods, firearms and ammunition.
“Also, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages and money believed to be the proceeds of crime were confiscated. Compliance inspections were conducted at second-hand dealers and liquor premises, as well as formal and informal businesses, farms and scrapyards,” said Shemane.
He further said these inspections led to the closure of six unlicensed liquor premises. Shemane added that in ZF Mgcawu District, a community outreach programme was held in Askham in the Kalahari in conjunction with other external stakeholders.
“The police mobile community service centre rendered services to the community and shared awareness on substance abuse, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), child protection to the attendees.
“Subsequently, these actions resulted in the searching of 12 158 persons and 6756 vehicles,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, engaged with motorists and community members at roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points and ensured the Northern Cape community that the police will continue with these operations in stamping the authority of the state and protecting them from criminal activities.
“We encourage the public to rate the police efforts in fighting crime by participating in the “RATE OUR SERVICE” online survey to assist the police in improving services,” said Otola.
The Guardian 