Day: December 11, 2022

WESTERN CAPE – Clamp down operations aimed against drug and liquor outlets as part of the Safer Festive Season operations in the Garden Route District yielded excellent results with the confiscation of drugs, liquor and dangerous weapons during operations, “Vala Konke” which commenced on Thursday, 08 December 2022 until this morning.
Led by the Western Cape police management, various police units in conjunction with Western Cape Provincial Traffic, Municipal traffic and Law Enforcement, other law enforcement agencies and community safety structures embarked on crime combatting operations with the strategic deployment of these forces in towns in the region. Operations included roadblocks, vehicle check points, visits to licenced liquor outlets, close down of drug and liquor outlets, mall patrols and blue light patrols in crime ridden areas.
Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, Public order police, Rural Flying Squad and crime prevention unit members deployed in Conville, Thembalethu and Knysna arrested 24 suspects for drug related offences, eight for possession of dangerous weapon and one suspect for unlawful possession of ammunition. Police also seized small quantities of Mandrax, Tik, dangerous weapons, ammunition and an imitation firearm.
On Thursday, 08 December 2022, Still Bay police swiftly responded to information when they embarked on an operation resulting in the confiscation of 414 litres of liquor. Two suspects aged 39 and 62 were subsequently arrested on a charge of selling of liquor without a licence.
The same day, 08 December 2022, Garden Route Rural Flying Squad members acted on information when they spotted a Chevrolet bakkie parked in Sedgefield which was stolen during a burglary in Grootbrak River earlier. The team seized the vehicle and arrested a 26-year-old suspect on charges theft of motor vehicle and housebreaking and theft. Items stolen during the burglary was also recovered.
Meanwhile, deployment of forces along entry and exit routes of the province which includes the N2 highway between Knysna and George as well as N12 at Dysselsdorp to increase road safety and curb the trafficking of illicit goods also yielded success. A total of 1047 vehicles were searched, 157 traffic fines issued to the value of about R170 000 for traffic related offences and two vehicles were seized.
Those arrested are expected to make their court appearances in various courts once charged.
These operations also impacted positively on a low percentage of serious and violent crimes reported during the weekend. Safer Festive Season operations will be enhanced with the deployment of more resources in the lead up to the holiday period to ensure that the general public and visitors are and feel safe.

Source: South African Police Service

FF REINET – The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene brought down the curtains on the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence against Women and Children in the Sarah Baartman District.
On Friday, 9 December 2022 simultaneous operations dubbed “Operation Vala Konke” were held in six towns across the district (Graaff Reinet, Willowmore, Cookhouse, Somerset East, Jansenville and Klipplaat). A total of 55 people were arrested for crimes ranging from housebreaking and theft to possession of dagga. A total of 213 mandrax tablets and 128 bompies of dagga were seized. An estimated street value of the illicit drugs confiscated is R 16 000. The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Police also seized two handmade firearm pistols, a rifle part, copper wires and cash.
On Saturday, 10 December 2022, a community engagement was held in Graaff Reinet, where the community was addressed in the form of a Youth Dialogue, which was held at Fred Hufkie Sports Ground, Graaff Reinet. The objective was to address challenges of abuse of women and children. Currently, the area is known for its high incidents of Gender Based Violence.
The dialogue created a platform for local youth to share their views on how some of the social ills could be avoided, which were discussed in commissions.
The Mayor for the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality, Councillor Sefers during his welcoming address, set the tone and mood for the occasion, as he cited challenges that are faced by women and children, such as human trafficking, rape, and generic abuse.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Mene in her address, added, “Having listened to constructive deliberations by the Youth and responsive inputs by the panellists, I realised that Graaff Reinet needed this day. I also realised we dare not forget our brothers and sisters, our mothers and fathers, boys and girls in the peripheral areas. I am glad to be here so that victims of gender based violence must know that the police is only a phone call away and that the time to be silent is over.”

Source: South African Police Service