The NMB District launch of Operation Sikhona in Kwazakele and New Brighton raked in significant successes as police and other law enforcement officers clamped down on criminals today 17 November 2022.
The multi-disciplinary, multi-faceted operation included participation by all 18 police stations of NMB District as well as Metro Police, Metro Security, Traffic Services, and the Liquor Board. The NMB Deputy District Commissioner, Brigadier Ronald Koll addressed operational members as well as the media with a strong message that SAPS cannot fight crime alone.
“We need the partnerships of our community and all other stakeholders in this fight against crime. Where special operations such as this one of today are needed to address high crime rates in identified hot spot areas, we cannot see it as business as usual any longer” explained Brigadier Koll.
‘The role of fighting and preventing crime is a huge undertaking, and the SAPS appreciates all projects and events aimed at assisting the police to make our streets safe for our communities,’ continued Brigadier Koll.
The operations included roving stops and searches; vehicle checkpoints; visits to taverns, liquor outlets, and second-hand goods businesses for compliance with relevant permits and licenses as well as the search for unlicensed firearms and drugs.
The successes included: Traffic fines to the value of R74 800 were issued. A total of R10 000 fines in terms of noncompliance with liquor licenses and two taverns were closed for failure to comply with the Liquor Act.
Two suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and one suspect was arrested for possession of mandrax and dagga, A stolen firearm in a Kirkwood case (October 2022), a replica firearm, 6x R5 rounds and 4x shotgun rounds of ammunition were confiscated. A total of 2 Mandrax tablets and 30 dagga cigarettes were also confiscated.
The further forensic and ballistic analysis will be conducted on the firearm to determine linkages to other crimes that might have been committed.
With the Festive season soon upon us, our policing operations will be intensified with more boots on the ground in all hotspot areas across Nelson Mandela Bay.
Operation Sikhona Clamps Down on criminals in kwazakele and New Brighton https://t.co/GQJsRiDMMJ#ArriveAlive #Operations @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/JboYKPgc4b
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 18, 2022