KING WILLIAM’S TOWN: The number of arrests executed during the past week is evident that the police in the Province are committed to clamping down crime and criminal activities. Eastern Cape police officers embarked on a number of operations across the province from 16 September until 23 September 2019 through targeted deployment of resources and personnel. Operations included roadblocks, suspect raids, stop and search operations, inspections on liquor outlets, cordon, search operations and intensive patrols.
A total of one thousand three hundred and sixty-two (1 362) suspects were arrested for various crimes. Of these, two hundred and eighty-two (282) suspects were arrested for crimes detected as a result of police action; 129 for drug-related crimes; 61 for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and 92 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
One hundred and seventy-six (176) suspects were arrested for liquor-related crimes; 74 illegal dealing in liquor, one (1) illegal distribution of liquor and 101 for drinking/being drunk in public places.
One hundred and thirteen (113) suspects were arrested for property related crimes; burglary business (21), burglary residential (56), theft of all stock (13) and theft of/ from motor vehicle (13) and ten (10) were arrested for other crimes reported under property related crimes.
Other arrests included murder (22), attempted murder (12), and rape (21) to name but a few.
Serious crime generators and proliferation of illegal weapons were dealt a huge blow with the recovery of one thousand, six hundred and sixty-two (1 662) rounds of ammunition and thirty-one (31) firearms (26 pistols, 03 rifles, 01 shotgun and 01 homemade). Two hundred and eight (208) dangerous weapons including (197) knives, three (03) axes, four (04) pangas and four (04) scissors were also recovered.
Fifteen (15) suspected stolen livestock and eleven (11) suspected stolen vehicles were seized. Traffic and other fines were issued to transgressors. Drugs such as dagga; heroine; mandrax and cocaine were seized during these operations.
All arrested suspects appeared in various courts in the province while others were issued with summons to pay fines.
Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Andries Swart commended the efforts of the members in dealing with crime in the province. “These arrests and confiscations are direct indicators of the progress SAPS is making in the fight against crime. They are also a reflection of our determination and commitment in making our communities safer,” he said.