The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) is happy with the successes of this past week’s Operation Fiela which rooted out criminal elements in seven provinces, resulting in 889 arrests.
NATJOINTS is particularly pleased with the response from community members, who tipped off law enforcement officers about a number of criminal activities and we encourage other community members to do the same.
South Africans are encouraged not to make comments that incite violence against foreign nationals. “Our intelligence services continue to monitor cyberspace for comments that incite violence against foreign
nationals. People making such comments must know we are coming for them,” says Chairperson of the NATJOINTS, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
Operation Fiela actions are conducted by member departments of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration.
A total of 278 people have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, 414 in Gauteng, 29 in the Free State, 24 in the Western Cape, 10 in the Northern Cape, nine in North-West and 125 in the Eastern Cape since the start of Operation Fiela on 27 April 2015. The arrests are for various offences and of the 889 arrested, 13 were arrested for drug related crimes, 13 for assault, four for murder, two for unlicenced firearm and ammunition. These arrests will go a long way in ensuring safer communities free from drugs because safety of everyone is a priority.
A total of 745 people were arrested for being in the country without documentation. These individuals will be deported and handed over to officials in their respective countries.
Operation Fiela, which means “to sweep clean”, continues to enjoy great support from the public who have come forward with information about areas where crime is prevalent.
NATJOINTS appreciates all peaceful May Day commemorations. “We would like to thank participants of all the marches and commemorations for conducting themselves well and operating within the ambits of the law,” says Lieutenant General Mawela.
NATJOINTS encourages all South Africans to live in peace and harmony with fellow Africans.
The increased visibility of security forces has thus far resulted in calm in areas known for violence such as Thabazimbi in Limpopo, Thembelihle in Johannesburg and Isipingo in KwaZulu-Natal.
Anyone with information on crime or criminal activities can report such to Crime Stop – 0860010111.
