EC:JOE GQABI DISTRICT - As new year celebrations continue in the Joe Gqabi District SAPS members in conjuction with other law enforcement agencies members worked tiresly to ensure the enforcement of various legislation continued and the safety and security of all citizens were ensure as operation "Vala Konke" continued during the past week and festive weekend and yield the following positive successes.
The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Maj Genl Lindelwa Vellem together with her senior officers and Station Commanders took the lead in the operations and effected duties such as foot beat together with the members on the ground.
Junior constables that were deployed after "project 10 000" beef up the manpower during this very busy time and performed duties under the watchfull eyes of senior Commanders. The operations included static roadblocks, high density patrols, stop and search for illegal firearms, drugs, dangerous weapons, prevention of stock theft , closing of illegal shebeens and the compliance of Liqour outlets.
During the time period the operations also included awareness campaigns, visibility at malls, visits to Liqour outlets and second hand goods stores for compliance inspections, monitoring of migidi events and inisiation schools.
The Detectives focused on the tracing of wanted suspects. Members from the different stations and spesialize units supported the activities.
The following arrests were effected and recoveries achieved :
42 arrests were made in different crime categories.
1770 people searched
521 vehicles searched
57 traffic and J534 fines were issued
32 dangerous weapons
120 g drugs
21,5805 l Liqour and 6000l of concoctions were confiscated. Vala Konke also has successes across the border when Aliwal North Crime Intelligence and the Stock Theft and endangered species unit followed up on positive information that led to the recovery of 12 sheep after the suspect was apprehended on the Freestate side.
In the Kat-Kop area of policing spesialize units supported the station and two unlisenced firearms were recovered a shotgun and 9mm black Norinko. Two suspects age 33 and 35 years old were arrested. Murders in the area is a priority crime and on further investigation the firearms are to be linked to other cases and will have a positive impact on crime.
The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner , Maj Genl Lindelwa Vellem applauded all the SAPS members for their continues commitment and dedication as most people are relaxing and enjoying celebrations. The successes reached is proof of the SAPS that continue keeping our communities safe and secure during the Festive period.
It is clear that those people that did not keep to law and order could feel our presence. The operations will continue to ensure the well being and safety of all citizens.