WESTERN CAPE - Clamp down operations aimed against drug and liquor outlets as part of the Safer Festive Season operations in the Garden Route District yielded excellent results with the confiscation of drugs, liquor and dangerous weapons during operations, “Vala Konke” which commenced on Thursday, 08 December 2022 until this morning.
Led by the Western Cape police management, various police units in conjunction with Western Cape Provincial Traffic, Municipal traffic and Law Enforcement, other law enforcement agencies and community safety structures embarked on crime combatting operations with the strategic deployment of these forces in towns in the region. Operations included roadblocks, vehicle check points, visits to licenced liquor outlets, close down of drug and liquor outlets, mall patrols and blue light patrols in crime ridden areas.
Garden Route Crime Combatting Team, Public order police, Rural Flying Squad and crime prevention unit members deployed in Conville, Thembalethu and Knysna arrested 24 suspects for drug related offences, eight for possession of dangerous weapon and one suspect for unlawful possession of ammunition. Police also seized small quantities of Mandrax, Tik, dangerous weapons, ammunition and an imitation firearm.
On Thursday, 08 December 2022, Still Bay police swiftly responded to information when they embarked on an operation resulting in the confiscation of 414 litres of liquor. Two suspects aged 39 and 62 were subsequently arrested on a charge of selling of liquor without a licence.
The same day, 08 December 2022, Garden Route Rural Flying Squad members acted on information when they spotted a Chevrolet bakkie parked in Sedgefield which was stolen during a burglary in Grootbrak River earlier. The team seized the vehicle and arrested a 26-year-old suspect on charges theft of motor vehicle and housebreaking and theft. Items stolen during the burglary was also recovered.
Meanwhile, deployment of forces along entry and exit routes of the province which includes the N2 highway between Knysna and George as well as N12 at Dysselsdorp to increase road safety and curb the trafficking of illicit goods also yielded success. A total of 1047 vehicles were searched, 157 traffic fines issued to the value of about R170 000 for traffic related offences and two vehicles were seized.
Those arrested are expected to make their court appearances in various courts once charged.
These operations also impacted positively on a low percentage of serious and violent crimes reported during the weekend. Safer Festive Season operations will be enhanced with the deployment of more resources in the lead up to the holiday period to ensure that the general public and visitors are and feel safe.
Source: South African Police Service