POTCHEFSTROOM:  As part of tightening the grip on crime and extending our reach to communities through blue light visibility, police in the province arrested 545 suspects through Safer Festive Season Operations conducted between Monday, 6 and Sunday, 12 December 2021.

The suspects were apprehended for different contact and property related crimes as well as crimes dependent on police action for detection. Of the arrested suspects, 129 were nabbed during various “Operation Basadi” activities conducted in all the districts to conclude the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children. In one of the activities in Rustenburg, the Deputy National Commissioner: Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, handed out gifts and food hampers to nine survivors of Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Upon addressing the survivors, the Deputy National Commissioner who was accompanied by the Rustenburg Local Municipality’s Member of Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councillor Virginia Mputle, said she was happy to see the survivors smiling again.  “With these Christmas presents, we want to show you that you are not alone”, said the Deputy National Commissioner. She also commended Warrant Officer Bonita Dry of Ikageng Detectives and Sergeant Obakeng Rasego of the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for arresting and ensuring that Thabang Gordon Moloi (28) and Tshepo Ben Moloi (42) (accused persons not related), get three life terms as well as 279 and 122 years imprisonment respectively for crimes ranging from kidnapping, rape, robbery, murder to escape from lawful custody.

Meanwhile, some of the arrested suspects have already appeared in courts while others are expected to appear on Monday, 13 December 2021.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue with operations to ensure that the citizens are and feel safe during festive season.

Source: South African Police Service