As more boots were on the ground in the Joe Gqabi District, the heightened police visibility in the district with other law enforcement agencies definitely made an impact with members working around the clock to ensure the communities safety during this festive period. Operation "Vala Konke" continued in earnest during the past week and weekend.

Joe Gqabi District Commissioner, Maj Gen Lindelwa Vellem together with her senior officers took the lead in the operations. The operations included static roadblocks, high density patrols, stop and searches for illegal firearms, drugs, dangerous weapons, prevention of stock theft, the closure of illegal shebeens and the compliance of the liquor laws.

Proactive crime awareness was also done with visits to taverns and second hand goods stores for compliance inspections, monitoring of sport events and initiation schools. The detectives focused on the tracing of wanted suspects. Members from the different stations and specialised units formed part of the various operations.

The following arrests were effected and recoveries achieved:

59 arrests were made in different crime categories

56 traffic fines issued

14 dangerous weapons (knives) confiscated

1 illegal firearm seized and10 sheep confiscated.

A total of 402,605 litres of alcohol and concoctions were also confiscated.

Maj Gen Vellem commended all the officers for their continues commitment and dedication which resulted in the significant arrests and confiscations.

Source: South African Police Service