The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) , General Fannie Masemola says he is satisfied with the integrated and joint law enforcement operations across the country during this Easter weekend.
In the latest success, Gauteng police foiled another cash-in-transit heist on Saturday afternoon. The multidisciplinary team was following up on intelligence driven information when they intercepted a group of armed suspects along John Voster road in Centurion.
During the interception, two robbers were fatally wounded during a shootout with police. Three AK47 automatic rifles were recovered. Still in Gauteng, six drug dealers were arrested by the National Intervention Unit (NIU) responsible for investigating gang related activities in Eldorado Park and surrounding communities.
This brings the total number of drug dealers arrested in Eldorado Park to thirteen after seven more were arrested on Thursday in extension 4. The team visited several identified addresses where drugs such as crystal meth, tik, dagga and mandrax and money was seized.
In Sebokeng where nine CIT robbers were fatally wounded during a shootout with police, the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Team rescued two teenage boys after they were kidnapped in the South of Johannesburg. Three suspects have since been arrested.
High density operations are intensifying throughout the country through heightened police visibility with a focus on seizing illegal firearms, drugs and stolen motor vehicles. This heightened visibility is being realised through conducting roadblocks, patrols, search-and-seizure operations, disruptive operations and strategically deploying resources in all provinces.
By implementing a multidisciplinary approach, the SAPS’ goal is to ensure that all in South Africa can enjoy their well-deserved Easter break in a safe and secure environment. As the SAPS has noted over previous holiday seasons, criminals seek to prey on people while they are relaxed and have dropped their guard. Whilst communities enjoy themselves, they should still be aware of their surroundings and take steps to secure their loved ones and property.
“We continue to urge our communities to continue to exercise discipline and restraint. We call on all people to continue to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, to abide by the rules of the road and not to drink and drive”, said General Fannie Masemola.
While Communities are urged to remain extra vigilant, they are also encouraged to continue to report criminality to the crime stop number on 086 001 0111.
