By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
15 January 2025- The police in Rustenburg said they have noted with concern a video doing the rounds on social media platforms, especially tik-tok wherein they are unfairly accused of doing nothing about alleged drug peddling at a block of flats.
The flats, which are not far from the police station, are said to be occupied mainly by Nigerian foreign nationals.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mogwabone said while the police are constitutionally mandated to prevent, combat and investigate crime, it must be emphasised that they cannot fight crime alone. Mokgwabone said therefore, there is nothing wrong about exposing criminals and criminality, but it is important to share such information with the police so that necessary steps can be taken.
“This must be done not only in Rustenburg, but other places. It must also be stated that a number of drug related operations were previously conducted at the flats and the neighbouring streets and that led to the arrest of suspects, including foreign nationals.
“Furthermore, drugs were confiscated during the operations, which were in most instances, intelligence driven. We would also like to advise members of the community to engage relevant authorities, especially on issues pertaining to acquiring of flats, payments of rates and services, the legal status of the tenants in the country, among others,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said, however, some of these issues, particularly contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002 and dealing in drugs, are dealt with weekly by the police and other law enforcement agencies through the high density Operation Shanela.
He added that police request anyone who may have information about any criminality, to call the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
“Alternatively, tip-offs can be shared via MySAPS App,” said Mokgwabone.
The Guardian 