The heat was turned on criminals in the last two days when Operation Sikhona made its presence felt in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.

On Thursday, 11/08 through to the early hours of this morning, 13/08 members from across the metro supported by the Provincial management and the NMB District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata conducted focussed driven operations with special concentration in the Kwanobuhle policing area. Operations included stop and searches, vehicle check points, visits to taverns, suspect tracing as well as road block duties.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene personally addressed the on/off duty parades on both days and urged police members and other law enforcement officers to perform their duties with diligence and to ensure that those flouting the law are either arrested or fined.

Coupled with Operation Sikhona, Lt Gen Mene accompanied by some of her senior officers embarked on social crime prevention awareness’s at three schools in Kwanobuhle. Learners were addressed on issues relating to alcohol and drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and delinquency. She encouraged the learners to aspire and never lose their focus on their education and future. Local malls and shopping centres were visited and awareness pamphlets handed out to shoppers.

The following successes were achieved during the two day operations:

A total of 69 persons were arrested for crimes including rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, drunken driving, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, contravention of the Explosive Act as well as undocumented persons. During the suspect tracing, detective officers successfully arrested 45 suspects wanted for various crimes.

Large quantities of alcohol, dagga, cocaine, knives as well as stun grenades were confiscated. Two hijacked/stolen vehicles were also recovered and 177 fines issued.

Lt Gen Mene commended the efforts of all the members who contributed towards the success of the operations in Nelson Mandela Bay. ‘Operation Sikhona is definitely planting its feet firmly in this district and criminals are warned that their nonsense and criminal actions will not be tolerated. We, the SAPS are here to serve the people in this province and are determined to root out lawlessness and criminality through both hard core and soft policing approach while at the same time increasing police visibility in hotspot areas,’ added Lt Gen Mene.

Source: South African Police Service