Crime prevention operations in the Manenberg police precinct resulted in 79 arrests for crimes such as murder, attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, and drugs.
Manenberg SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, said these arrests were made from Monday June 5 to Sunday June 11, thanks to an integrated operation with assistance from the Anti-Gang Unit, Manenberg SAPS detectives, Crime Prevention Unit, Metro Police and Law Enforcement.
“Of the 79 arrests, six were women who were all arrested on drug-related charges. There has been a significant increase in women being arrested for drugs, and we don’t know if this is out of desperation to put food on the table, or if they are doing it to make money as criminals,” Captain Bennett said.
The crime prevention operational team was focused on high density patrols, stop-and-searches, foot patrols, following up of intelligence-driven information and the targeting of high flyers and addresses frequently used to generate crime.
On Saturday June 10, police confiscated 32 units of heroin, two-and-a-half mandrax tablets, five rounds of .38 ammunition, and one imitation firearm. On the same day, 13 men were also arrested in connection with investigations ranging from murder, attempted murder and housebreakings.
Manenberg SAPS station commander, Brigadier Sanele Zama, said he was pleased with his crime prevention team and the deployment of crime fighters.
“This zero tolerance approach was to shut Manenberg policing precinct down, preventing crime and to ensure the safety of our community. The crime prevention operations will be intensified and we continue to encourage the community to become actively involved in crime prevention by reporting criminal behaviour.
On Friday June 9, a big drug bust was made when two men, aged 38 and 41-years-old were arrested when mandrax and tik worth R100 000 were confiscated from them.
Captain Bennett said the men were travelling in a white Toyota Corolla while Metro Police did stop-and-searches along Govan Mbeki Road.
“The driver tried to accelerate to evade the officers, but the vehicle was pulled over at the corner of Duinefontein and Govan Mbeki roads. They sat in the car as a routine vehicle check was conducted. The driver was reluctant to get out of the vehicle, but he was given no choice.This was when the officers found the consignment of drugs. The 38-year-old driver literally sat on the drugs,” Captain Bennett said.
Philippi SAPS also arrested four people for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Captain Lance Goliath said they increased visibility and did patrols in hot spot areas following a spate of sporadic shootings in Hanover Park.
“On Wednesday June 7, the Philippi Crime Prevention Unit did a patrol at Surburg Walk, Hanover Park, when they spotted two men who were running away from them. The members gave chase and apprehended a 16-year-old boy and 21-year-old man at a wendy house at Surburg Walk. They were arrested and a 9mm pistol loaded with ammunition and an extended magazine loaded with live 9mm ammunition were confiscated respectively. The serial number of the pistol was removed,” Captain Goliath said.
On Monday June 5, at about 11.30pm, members of the Philippi Crime Prevention Unit arrested two men, aged 21 and 50, for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition following a high-speed chase through Hanover Park.
Captain Goliath said the officers spotted a blue Volkswagen Golf which was stationary in the middle of Surburg Walk.
“The members stopped next to the car, but before they could exit their vehicle the driver of the blue Volkswagen Golf switched on the car’s lights and drove away. A high-speed chase ensued through a few streets in Hanover Park but police managed to stop the vehicle at Summit Road. Upon searching the vehicle police seized a black 9mm Glock pistol which was loaded with 9mm live ammunition, as well as an extended magazine also loaded with live ammunition. The suspects were arrested as they could not produce any documentation or licence to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The serial number of the firearm was removed,” he said.
Philippi SAPS station commander, Colonel Adriaan Saulse, commended the officers involved in the arrests and urged the community to continue assisting in the fight against crime.
Anyone with information on criminal activities can contact Philippi SAPS at 021 690 1504, Manenberg SAPS at 021 699 9400 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.