Western Cape police crime combatting operations yield successes

WESTERN CAPE – The proliferation of illegal firearms, liquor and drug abuse as well as other crime generators remain a priority in the Western Cape with multi-disciplinary forces embarking on Crime combatting operations during the past weekend which yielded positive results.

The weekend kicked off on Friday, 20 January 2023 with integrated forces pouncing onto Harare and Mazhaza policing precincts, spearheaded by the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen (Adv.) T Patekile and members of the provincial management. Members performed high density foot and vehicle patrols, focussing on crime combatting operations, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high visibility and compliance inspections to curb the prevalence of crime in these precincts, which proved to be effective. During these focussed operation, members confiscated high quantities of liquor (more than a million ml (1 049 650ml) of beer, 531 340ml of Ciders and 25 300ml of Spirits) and smaller quantities of illegal drugs such as Tik and Heroin. Various suspects were arrested who are expect to make their first court appearances in various court tomorrow, facing charges of illegally dealing in liquor and the possession of prohibited drugs.

Members also arrested 19 undocumented foreign nationals and handed them over to Immigration officers attached to Dept. of Home Affairs for further handling and processing. The high density patrols of integrated forces attributed to a decline in the amount of complaints and crime police normally encounters over a weekend.

In addition to the above, members of the Operation Restore deployed in Delft followed up on information about the drugs being stored at the premises in Buffalo Crescent, The Hague, earlier this morning, Sunday, 22 January 2023. On their arrival at the premises, permission to search was granted by the owner and during the search members found and confiscated a consignment of drugs consisting of Mandrax tablets, concealed in packets as well as loose and solid crystal meth (Tik), heroine (Unga), ecstasy tablets and a few rounds of ammunition. They continued with the search and found an undisclosed amount of cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime. A 37-year-old man was arrested for Dealing in Drugs, Possession of Drugs and the unlawful possession of ammunition. He will appear in court once charged.

On Saturday, 21 January 2023at 23:30, members attached to Operation Restore were patrolling in Wesbank Main road when they heard gun shots and quickly responded by following the direction from where the gunfire was coming from. Whilst pursuing the investigation into the gunfire, the members saw a suspicious man standing in Millwood Street. Members accosted the suspect and ensued with a search. They found a black 9mm pistol with serial number filed off and 5 (five) 9mm rounds in his possession. The 21 years old man was arrested and detained at Mfuleni SAPS on a charge of Illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear in the Bluedowns magistrate court, once charged.

Provincial management commended the members for their continued commitment to rid our streets from the scourge of illegal firearms and drugs that is killing our citizens.

Source: South African Police Service