Philippi police clamped down on criminals in their policing precinct, arresting 91 suspects for various crimes over the past week.
Station Commander, Colonel Dennis Abels, especially applauded his members for their determination to find a kidnapped girl and arresting the kidnapper (see page 1).
The 15-year-old girl had been kidnapped from her school in Hanover Park.
On Friday October 14, at about 11.30am, members of Law Enforcement arrested a 34-year-old man at his Algoa Court house in Hanover Park, for drug dealing, following a tip-off. Dagga with an estimated street value of
R22 500 was confiscated.
A further 38 suspects were arrested on charges relating to the possession of and dealing in illegal drugs. These drugs include crystal meth also known as tik, heroin, mandrax and dagga. A total of 10 houses were searched for drugs. The suspects appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on drug-related charges.
Police also clamped down on illegal liquor outlets and arrested two suspects on liquor-related charges. Their liquor was also confiscated.
Two suspects were also arrested for crimes against women and children.
Thirteen people were also arrested for various crimes during tracing operations. More suspects also made their appearance in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court after they were arrested on charges relating to assault, fraud, crimen injuria, drunk driving, reckless and negligent driving, possession of suspected stolen property, housebreaking and theft as well as malicious damage to property.
As part of the Safer Schools Project, Philippi police have partnered with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). Regular meetings with the principals and safety officials of all the schools in the precinct are taking place to address safety concerns at schools. It is often requested by the principals, that police conduct searches at the schools when it is deemed necessary. This comes as some pupils have been found to be in possession of dangerous weapons, drugs and cigarettes.
When police held talks and conducted searches at Parkfields Primary School in Hanover Park, pupils were addressed on the issue of substance abuse, gangs and safety at schools and at home.
Police are also engaging with neighbourhood watches while patrolling in their respective areas. Street and court committees are actively involved in the continuous fight against crime.
Colonel Abels said police would continue to maintain a zero tolerance approach to combating and investigating crime.
“Strengthening the partnership between the community and the police is high on the agenda, as it is contributing to the reduction of crime and the apprehension of perpetrators thereof. I would like to thank members and the community in the precinct for a job well done during the past week,” Colonel Abels said.
Police are appealing to the community to get involved in the reward system, which allows any adult member of the community to report crime, and be rewarded.
Anyone with information on crime can call Philippi SAPS at 021 6901 504 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111. All information will be treated as highly confidential.