GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay district was painted blue last night, 23 July 2022 with almost 300 police officers from all corners of the Province descended on the metro to conduct special focussed driven operations in hotspot station areas.

 Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene and her senior management addressed the parade at 18:00 at the 10111 Centre before the commencement of the operation.

Crime hotspots in the Bethelsdorp, Gelvandale, Ikamvelihle, Kwazakele, Motherwell, New Brighton and Walmer areas were specifically focussed on. Simultaneous stop and searches, increased visibility in problem areas, visits to liquor outlets to enforce compliance as well as searching of drug outlets were carried out. The multi-disciplinary teams included Public Order Policing, Detectives, Nelson Mandela Bay Electricity Department, Metro Police, the Anti-Gang Unit, Community Policing Forums and SAPS uniformed members.

A total of 16 arrests were effected for crimes including the contravention of a protection order, driving under the influence of alcohol, drug related offences, failure to comply with the Liquor Act, selling liquor without a licence and illegal possession of a firearm.  Ammunition, drugs (dagga, mandrax, tik) alcohol, a firearm, toy guns and prescription medicines were confiscated during the operation.

The operation concluded at 02:00 this morning, 24 July 2022.

Lt Gen Mene lauded the efforts of the operational teams including our external partners and law enforcement officers. “Operation Sikhona means ‘we are here’ to serve our communities and to ensure their safety. These operations is indicative of our commitment to reducing crime; eliminating the fear of crime and to create safer communities where freedom of movement can no longer be restricted. We will be clamping down hard and fast on liquor outlets, licenced and illegal ones who serve and admit underage children in their establishments,” warned Lt Gen Mene.    

Source: South African Police Service