EASTERN CAPE - As new year celebrations continue in the Joe Gqabi District SAPS members in conjuction with other law enforcement agencies members worked tiresly to ensure the enforcement of various legislation continued and the safety and security of all citizens were ensured as operation "Vala Konke" continued during the past week and festive weekend yielding the following positive successes.
The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Maj Genl Lindelwa Vellem together with her senior officers and Station Commanders took the lead in the operations through patrols on foot together with the members on the ground.
Junior Constables that were deployed after "Project 10 000" beefed up the manpower during this very busy time and performed duties under the watchfull eyes of senior Commanders. The operations included static roadblocks, high density patrols, stop and search operations for illegal firearms, drugs, dangerous weapons, prevention of stock theft, closing of illegal shebeens and the compliance inspections at Liquor outlets.
During this period the operations also included awareness campaigns, heightened police visibility at malls, visits to Liqour outlets and second hand goods stores for compliance inspections, monitoring of events and initiation schools.
The Detectives focused on the tracing of wanted suspects. Members from the different stations and spesialize units supported the activities.
The following arrests were effected and recoveries achieved:
42 arrests were made in different crime categories.
1770 people searched
521 vehicles searched
57 traffic and J534 fines were issued
32 dangerous weapons seized
120 g drugs seized
A total of 21,5805 l Liquor and 6000l of concoctions were confiscated. Vala Konke also achieved successes across the border when Aliwal North Crime Intelligence and the Stock Theft and endangered species unit followed up on positive information that led to the recovery of 12 sheep after the suspect was apprehended in the Free State Province.
In the Kat-Kop area of policing, spesialized units supported the station and two unlisenced firearms were recovered. Two suspects, aged 33 and 35, were arrested.
The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Major General Lindelwa Vellem applauded all the SAPS members for their continued commitment and dedication to ensure the safety and security of all people during the festive holiday period.
The operations will continue to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all citizens.
Source: South African Police Service