Concerted efforts by police in the Eden Cluster in the Garden Route District and the strategic deployment of integrated forces on the ground ensured that 489 suspects were arrested between Friday, 04 and Sunday morning, 06 June 2021. Of these, four hundred and twenty four (424) were arrested for reported crime, committed during the mentioned period. These arrests represent various criminal offences, ranging from petty to contravention of the DMA Regulations and other serious crime since the start of this weekend whilst eighteen (18) were wanted suspects.
This weekend’s operations included high visibility patrols in crime stricken areas, 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, 07 June 2021, once charged.
Meanwhile integrated forces pounced on nine (9) illegal drug outlets in their respective areas over the weekend and confiscated a considerable, although smaller amount of dagga and Mandrax and arrested several suspects who are also scheduled to appear in the local Magistrates’ court on Monday, 07 June 2021. All these illegal outlets were closed.
This weekend’s successful integrated crime combat operations saw 838 people searched, 192 vehicles searched, five (5) traffic fines issued to the amount of R3400-00 for traffic violations and defective vehicles and 76 fines to the value of R74 200-00 issued for the contravention of the Disaster Management Act Regulations.
Eden Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Oswald Reddy, commended all members for their vigilance in bringing these perpetrators to book. He reiterated that although seemingly insignificant for some, these police initiated interventions indeed prevented the commission of other serious crimes such as murders, robberies, serious assaults, domestic-violence and gender based violent crimes from happening. He also appeals to the community to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols to prevent the transmission of the virus and to also adhere to the curfew that applies from 23:00 to 04:00.
Western Cape Provincial Management has lauded the members for their efforts that contributed to a safer weekend in the various policing precincts.