On Friday, 27 March 2015, the SAPS embarked on a crime prevention lockdown operation in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. All the stations of the Motherwell Cluster joined hands and took part in the operation, also including the K9 unit and members on horseback.
The operation took place while it was raining and members were enduring the elements of nature to perform their task. The importance of conducting the operation on this day was largely due to the fact that most of the working class had their “pay-day” and that they flocked to business areas and shopping malls to conduct business. In the past criminals took advantage of these busy days to target potential victims.
The focus of the operation was on stolen property, drugs, alcohol misuse and firearms. Two vehicle check points were set up while foot patrols, horseback patrols and dog patrols took place closer to the major shopping malls. At the shopping malls members also handed out crime awareness pamphlets dealing with domestic violence as well as safety hints and tips.
The SAPS is satisfied that no major crime incidents took place during the period of the operation. A 29-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of mandrax and 8 mandrax tablets seized. A 20-year-old male was arrested by detectives for a murder that took place in December and a 43-year-old male was arrested for selling liquor without a license. He was trading a shebeen without a license and 60 litres of various makes of beer were confiscated.
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