Weekend crime combatting operations yield success

Police in the Eden Cluster in the Garden Route District expanded their efforts to ensure a safe environment for all during this weekend through the strategic deployment of integrated forces in the stricken areas in the Southern Cape.

This weekend’s operations included high visibility blue light patrols, 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 on Monday, 25 July 2022, once they have been charged.

Various suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of drugs including Mandrax and Tik. Members of the Crime Prevention Units around the Garden Route, including those of Oudtshoorn, George, Conville, and KwaNonqaba.

On Friday 22 July 2022, just after 16:00, members attached to the George Crime Prevention Unit, assisted detectives of the DPCI’s Commercial Branch in George when they acted on intelligence and apprehended three suspects at a fuelling station in Nelson Mandela Boulevard, George in connection with the fraud.

When members pounced on the Quantum kombi, the driver attempted to speed off but was denied by the members who approached tactically and forced him to stop. Members ensued with a search of the vehicle and three occupants. During the search, members found and confiscated 4-25litre containers filled with fuel, an undisclosed amount of cash, banking cards as well as the Quantum Kombi. The trio aged 25, 29, and 31 were arrested and are scheduled to appear in the George magistrates’ court on a charge of Fraud on Monday, 25 July 2022.

Conville Crime Prevention Unit and the Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team pounced on various legal and illegal outlets during the weekend and confiscated a significant amount of Tik, Mandrax tablets as well as cash, suspected to be the proceeds of crime. (See attached photo).

Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lt General Thembisile Patekile has praised the members for their dedication to safeguarding communities within their area. The confiscation of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons during this weekend also contributed to the prevention of serious crimes such as murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, he said. Their vigilance and commitment to bringing these perpetrators to book are greatly appreciated. Combined and integrated operations will continue throughout with the focus to safeguard Western Cape communities against the scourge of Drug addiction and serious and violent crimes, including GBV offenses.