High-Density patrols in crime-ridden areas yielded excellent results with the arrest of 277 suspects for various crimes and the confiscation of illicit drugs, liquor, stolen property as well as an unlicensed firearm in the Garden Route District during the past week.
ALL ARRESTED SUSPECTS THIS PAST WEEK
These crime combating operations commenced on Monday, 08 May 2023 until this morning, according to police spokesperson Sergeant Christopher Spies.
“It included targeted operations at drug outlets and liquor outlets as well as stop and searches in line with the crime pattern analysis.”
Sergeant Spies
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FOCUS ON CRIME-INFESTED AREAS IN THE GARDEN ROUTE
He said the focused operations dealt the illicit drug trade a heavy blow with the arrest of 93 suspects for possession of drugs and eight for dealing in drugs. Most arrests were effected in Conville where police arrested 13 suspects followed by Knysna with 11 arrests.
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Sergeant Spies detailed the major arrests as follows:
- On Saturday, 13 May 2023, members of the Garden Route District Flying Squad continued with the onslaught on drug trafficking. The team acted on intelligence when they stopped a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi along the N9 while enroute to Oudtshoorn from George. A search of the vehicle ensued when the members found 300 Mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R15 000 in the possession of a passenger on board. Police confiscated the drugs and arrested the 47-year-old man for dealing in drugs.
- Meanwhile, yesterday, 13 May 2023, Pacaltsdorp police embarked on crime-combatting operations and arrested nine suspects aged between 20 and 51. Police confiscated small quantities of drugs (mandrax and tik), suspected stolen property and dangerous weapons.
- Earlier the week, on Wednesday, 09 May 2023, Kwanonqaba police members followed up on information about a man with a firearm in his possession. On arrival at the residence of the man in Transand informal settlement, he fled on foot with police in pursuit. He was tracked down and upon searching the man a pistol was found in his possession. The police arrested the 29-year-old suspect on a charge of unlicensed firearm.
- In Groot Brakrivier on Thursday, 11 May 2023, police arrested two suspects after suspected stolen items were found in their possession. The members confiscated a flat-screen television and electrical appliances. A total of 11 suspects were also arrested in other policing precincts for possession of suspected stolen properties.
- Other than this police also arrested one suspect for selling liquor without a licence, 27 for possession of dangerous weapons and 120 for less serious offences.
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POLICE HEADS PRAISE ARRESTS AND CONFISCATION OF DRUGS
The Garden Route District Commissioner, Major General Norman Modishana commended the forces for their efforts to rid communities of drugs.
Also, the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, lauded the efforts of police to safeguard communities, especially with the confiscation of an unlicensed firearm and the total number of arrests for drug-related offences.
“All those arrested are expected to make their respective court appearances once charged,” Spies concluded.
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