Eden cluster arrests 406 suspects during weekend crime combatting operations – SAPS Crime Report: 2021-11-21 18:34:07

South African Police Service

Office of the Provincial Commissioner Western Cape

WESTERN CAPE – Concerted efforts by Police in the Eden Cluster in the Garden Route District to combat and eradicate crime successfully through the strategic deployment of integrated forces ensured that 406 suspects were arrested between Thursday, 18 November 2021 and Sunday morning, 21 November 2021 at 06:00. Of these arrests, three hundred and fourteen (314) were arrested for reported crime committed during the mentioned period of three days. These arrests represent various criminal offences, ranging from petty to more serious offence. In addition to the mentioned arrests, members also arrested 110 people for the Contravention of DMA Covid-19 Regulations.   

This weekend’s operations included high visibility blue light patrols in crime stricken areas, roadblocks, stop and search operations with a special focus on drug and liquor outlets, illegal firearms, the tracing of wanted suspects and the confiscation of dangerous weapons. Most of the arrested suspects will make their court appearance in the local magistrates’ court tomorrow, Monday, 22 November 2021, once charged whilst others were released on a warning to appear in court at a later stage or pay an admission of guild fine for DMA transgressions.

Amongst the arrestees is a 42-year-old suspect that was found to be in possession of a firearm illegally. Preliminary investigation suggests that last night, Saturday, 20 November 2021 at about 20:30, integrated forces attached to the Cluster Crime Combatting team and Thembalethu Crime Prevention Unit pounced on an illegal liquor premises situated in Tabata Street in Thembalethu near George. They ensued with a search of the premises a s well as individuals found on the premises. One of the vigilant members noticed the suspect with a black and white vanity bag, fleeing into the bathroom and exited without the bag. He immediately gave chase and confiscated the bag inside the bathroom. The bag was search in the present of the suspect and the discovery of a black 9mm Luger CZ75 pistol with 10 live hollow rounds of ammunition was then made.

The suspect was arrested and is scheduled to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’ court after being charged for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. This firearm will be sent for ballistic tests to determine whether it could have been used in the commission of other crime.

Eden Acting Cluster Commander, Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana has praised the members for their dedication to safeguard communities within their area. The confiscation of dangerous weapons during the weekend also contributed to the prevention of serious crime such as murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, he said.

Western Cape Provincial Management commended the members for their vigilance in bringing these perpetrators to book. Combined and integrated operations will continue throughout the festive season with the focus on the 16 Days of Activism campaign that will be rolled out between 25 November and 10 December 2021.

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