Police have promised to hold more roadblocks in Langa in an effort to get illegal guns off the streets.
The one held early last Friday morning, with the help of other law enforcement agencies, didn’t find any guns, but nine undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, and 22 motorists were fined for either driving without a licence or driving an unlicensed vehicle.
The operation was held in response to rising crime in the area and an increasing number of unlicensed motorists, said Langa police spokeswoman Captain Nondumiso Paul.
“Drivers put their own lives at risk by driving drunk or without licences and also put other road users at risk. This programme is not the first and not the last.
“Our officers will continue to ensure everyone obeys the law. We also want to make sure that our community is free from crime. But we also urge our people to come forward with information. They know who the criminals are. We might do all these interventions, but we still need information from the community.”
It was important for the police to hold the vehicle searches because the country had a problem with illegal firearms, she said, promising more stops in future.
Motorist Sebenzile Ntoyanto commended the police but said the operation was not well timed.
“There is nothing wrong with what they are doing, but I think they need to consider time. Most people are on their way to work and this delays them. But I must say, they are doing sterling work. Crime is rife in our areas, and we need this. But during peak hours, I do not know. Anyway big up to them.”