Operation Sikhona yields positive results in Lusikisiki

The deployment of specialised units in some of the hot-spot areas of the Eastern Cape is yielding positive results, as eleven (11) firearms and ammunition were recovered with five (05) suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition within a 24 hour period in Lusikisiki.

An intelligence-driven Operation Sikhona consisting of members from the specialised units such as Public Order Policing, K-9, and Mounted Units are deployed to several areas in the OR Tambo District with a special focus on the proliferation of illegal firearms, drugs, and other criminal activities. This multidisciplinary team is causing a significant impact as well as disrupting the activities of criminal elements, especially in the Lusikisiki area. A total of eleven firearms and five arrests were made within the last 24 hours. Households in Lusikisiki were searched which resulted in positive results.

The suspects, aged between 24 and 39 years, are due to appear in court soon.

Police also closed six (06) illegal liquor outlets (shebeens) and their owners were fined for selling liquor without a license. Over 300 litres of liquor were also confiscated.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene praised her foot soldiers for the good work. “Ever since the launch of Operation Sikhona in April this year, our men and women in blue seized at least 52 illegal firearms and arrested suspects only in the Lusikisiki area. Operation Sikhona is continuous and criminals must feel the heat as we stamp the authority of the State,” warned Lt Gen Mene.