Police members and law enforcement departments intensified their operations and interventions from 23 December 2015 when static roadblocks were held throughout the Northern Cape. These roadblocks were held during the afternoon on all the main routes leading in and out of the Province.
Police officials, traffic personnel, members from Home Affairs and even members from several Crime Prevention Forums took to the roads to ensure law enforcement.
A total of 2265 vehicles were stopped, 3003 persons were searched.
Traffic officials issued a total of 150 traffic fines to the value of almost R93 000-00.
Five people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and six motor vehicles were found to be totally unroadworthy. 12 people were fined for driving without a valid driver’s license.
The following arrests were also made as a result of the roadblocks conducted:
- Possession of Dagga – 2 persons and 16 grams of Dagga confiscated.
- One person arrested for dealing in Tik – 4 Straws of Tik and R5526-00 in cash confiscated.
- One person arrested for Dealing in Mandrax – 14 Mandrax tablets confiscated to the value of R560-00.
- Five persons fined for Drinking in Public.
- Two persons arrested for Riotous Behaviour.
- Two persons fined for Urinating in Public.
Maj Gen Hilda Mohajane, Deputy Provincial Commissioner in the Northern Cape, responsible for Visible Policing, was overall in command during the duration of the Roadblocks.
She also joined the members from Galeshewe and Kimberley Cluster during their respective roadblocks in Barkley West and on the N8 route between Kimberley and Bloemfontein.
While she was visiting the N8 roadblock, members even confiscated a live tortoise, as well as a shell of a tortoise, believed to be already slaughtered.
Although nobody was arrested, the live tortoise was released in the safety of a nearby veld.
Apart from the roadblocks conducted at the beginning of the weekend, several other crime prevention operations were held throughout the province.
SAPS members, supported by Traffic officials, immigration officers and members from the Crime Prevention Forums of different police stations, were involved in these operations.
Once again, 472 vehicles were searched, 1856 persons searched and 16 premises visited.
The following arrests were made:
- Attempted Murder – 1
- Rape – 1
- Shoplifting – 1
- Serious Assault – 3
- Drunk in Public – 19
- Riotous behavior – 7
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol – 1
- Urinating in Public – 1
- Gambling in Public – 2
- Transporting of live wild animals without a permit (2 Springboks) – R200-00 fine was issued
Dealing in liquor without a license – one person fined R500-00, while about 45 lt of liquor (beer and wine) was confiscated, including empty beer bottles and crates.
General Mohajane reiterated the fact that these type of actions by the police will continue until the end of the festive season.
She also thanked the community for their patience during the execution of all operations and roadblocks.