Police clampdown yield results

Staff Reporter

More than 500 people were arrested between Sunday February 14 and Sunday 21, for various crimes in the Nyanga cluster policing precinct, which includes Gugulethu, Nyanga, Manenberg, Elsies River, Philippi East, Bishop Lavis police stations.

A total of 163 people were arrested in Manenberg, 137 in Nyanga and 105 in Bishop Lavis. More than 80 were also arrested in Gugulethu, 53 in Elsies River and 46 in Philippi East.

A total of 127 searches were conducted in drug houses, resulting in more than 205 arrests for dealing and possession of drugs, while 57 were wanted for various crimes.

A further 42 people were arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, 33 for crimes against women and children, 22 during two roadblocks, 10 for the illegal sale of liquor, 14 for possession of stolen goods and another 14 for possession of dangerous weapons.

At least 12 firearms and various ammunition were confiscated, and more than 37 suspects were detained. The firearms were confiscated in Nyanga, Manenberg, Gugulethu, Elsies River and Philippi East.

Seized drugs included 1164kg of dagga, 673g of heroin, 556.5g of tik, 116.5 mandrax tablets, 100g of khat.

DVDs and CDs were also confiscated and five stolen vehicles were recovered in the area. Twenty-five fines totalling R19 700 were issued during two roadblocks conducted.

Police also visited 776 spaza shops.

Nyanga Cluster Commander, Major General Vincent Beaton, thanked members and other stakeholders who formed part of the operations, as well as residents who continue to share information on criminal activities occurring in the society.

* A 26-year-old Crossroads man was arrested on Wednesday morning February 17, after he and his accomplices allegedly hijacked a delivery truck in the area. It is alleged a Ford Bantam bakkie stopped in front of the truck. Four men got out of the bakkie, with three pointing firearms at the truck occupants.

They forced them out of the truck and drove away with the vehicle which was loaded with furniture. Police were called and they spotted the bakkie with some of the furniture. A shootout ensued resulting in the driver sustaining injuries. He was taken to hospital.

The truck was later found abandoned in Bambanani Street, with some furniture still on it. A fridge and other items were found in one of the houses on the same street. A 17-year-old girl inside the house was arrested. Two cases of the possession of stolen property were opened and a case of hijacking.

Police spokesperson Captain Ntomboxolo Sitshitshi said the case against the woman was withdrawn in court. The injured driver is recovering in hospital.