Eden Cluster arrests 362 suspects during weekend crime combatting operations

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 362 suspects were arrested between Friday, 03 and Sunday morning, 05 September 2021 at 06:00. Of these, two hundred and sixty-eight (268) were arrested for reported crimes committed during the mentioned period. These arrests represent various criminal offenses, ranging from petty to Contravention of DMA Covid-19 Regulations and other serious crimes since the start of this weekend.

This weekend’s operations included high visibility 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, 06 September 2021, once charged whilst others were released on a warning to appear in court at a later stage or pay an admission of guilt fine for DMA transgressions.

Yesterday, Saturday, 04 September 2021, members attached to the George Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) acted on information received about a stolen Toyota bakkie that might be en route to George. The bakkie was stolen in Ladismith earlier the day. They operationalized the informatio0n and whilst patrolling in Knysna Road, George, saw a suspicious man, hiking towards Knysna. They stopped and interrogated the suspect who was found to fit the description of the one who allegedly stole the bakkie. Upon further investigation, the suspect took the members to the George CBD where he pointed out the location of the parked bakkie.

Subsequently, he was arrested and the bakkie was handed in as evidence. The 39-year-old suspect from Hoekwil near George will be transferred to Ladismith SAPS holding cells to appear in the Ladismith magistrates’ court on a charge of Theft of motor vehicle later this week.

Friday evening members, assisted by the George and Provincial Traffic Departments were executing stop and search operations in and around George when they pulled over various motorists and with random searches confiscated a moderate amount of Tik with the arrest of a 42-year-old man, dagga with the arrests of two men aged, 41-and 34 and Khat with two middle-aged men arrested. These suspects are scheduled to make their first court appearance in the George Magistrates’ court on Monday, 06 September 2021, once being charged with the Dealing and Possession of Drugs.

Western Cape Provincial Management commended the members for their vigilance in bringing these perpetrators to book. Combined efforts with the Traffic Departments contributed to a safer weekend in the various policing precincts in the Garden Route.