AMATHOLE DISTRICT - In an effort to fight crime in the Amathole District, police members stamped the authority when they embarked on Operation Vala Konke and managed to arrest over 40 suspects aged between 21 and 53 years over the long weekend.

These arrest comes after police conducted various operations around the Amathole District and its policing precinct. The suspects were arrested for different crimes ranging from dealing and possession of drugs, robbery, common assault, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, murder, selling liquor without a license and rape. Police also intensify a high visibility in the CBD, ATMs, beaches, malls and stop and search was also conducted as part of preventing crime and ensuring that our citizens are safe and secure. During their patrols they closed shebeens as more crime emanate from liquor and liquor was confiscated. Five unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as dangerous weapons were confiscated.

Police also conducted roadblock within Amathole areas and fines to the value of more than R40 000-00 were issued to motorists and five suspects were arrested for drunken driving. In Alice one suspect was arrested for possession of dagga at Kei Bridge.

All the suspects will appear in various Magistrate Courts within the Amathole District today and Wednesday.

The District Commissioner Major General Ngangema Xakavu applauded the members for their excellent work and encouraged them to continue to arrest these criminals. “We will continue intensifying more boots on the ground to enhance police visibility to ensure that our communities are safe and secured at all times” he added.

Source: South African Police Service