The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, returned back to Olievenhoutbosch a week after meeting the community who complained about crime in the area.
This time he was flanked by his deputy in policing Major General Theko Pharasi, District Commissioner of Tshwane Major General Daniel Mthombeni and Head of Department (HOD) at Gauteng Department of Community Safety Ms Yoliswa Makhasi as wells as the ground forces of Operation O Kae Molao that consist of Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Traffic, Tshwane Metro Police Departments, Home Affairs, SARS and other role players. More than 190 suspects were arrested in Tshwane during the operations.
In response to the complaint of illegal liquor outlets being one of the generators of crime in Olievenhoutbosch, a raiding was conducted. Eight illegal liquor outlets were closed down and equipment used to operate illegal liquor outlets were confiscated. To curb illicit goods and stolen cars being transported into the area, two roadblocks were held in main roads. One stolen vehicle was recovered and two cars were impounded for being un-roadworthy. Traffic fines to the value of R73 650 were issued. Furthermore, 107 undocumented people were taken in for processing, one person for possession of stolen property and seven for possession and dealing in dagga. Second hand dealerships were also visited in Olivenhoutbosch, ten of them were found to be in contravention of Second Hand Goods Act hence they were fined R12 500. Similar operations were conducted in Mamelodi and Soshanguve where 13 liquor outlets were closed down and liquor confiscated. Suspects were also arrested in these areas for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of drugs.
The District Commissioner of West Rand, Major General Fred Kekana, led his team to the arrest of 127 suspects for crime that includes murder, pointing of firearm, robbery, possession of drugs, assault and theft. An unlicensed firearm, ammunition and suspected stolen vehicle were recovered during the operation in this district. Two roadblocks were conducted in Randfontein where Road Traffic fines to the value of R29 500 were issued and three illegal liquor outlets were closed down and liquor confiscated. To address the problem of illegal mining in this province, a raid was conducted where police seized bags of gold bearing materials. Counterfeit goods were also confiscated in the West Rand.
The joint Operation O Kae Molao was executed in Sedibeng under the leadership of District Commissioner Major General Zodwa Molefe and good successes were achieved. Amongst the over 60 arrests, are the three suspects arrested for business robbery, five suspects arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 13 illegall immigrants and four suspects for fraud. Three illegal shebeens were closed and 75 000ml of liquor were seized. Seven Second Handgoods Dealer Shops were visited for non – compliance with the Act and they were issued with fines for no-compliance. During the roadblocks, 86 road traffic fines were issued to motorist that were found violating road traffic regulations. Police further visited three licenced liquor outlets for compliance with Gauteng Liquor Act. Four suspects were arrested for Possession of drugs. Nine businesses were searched for illicit goods where counterfets goods valued R15 000-00 seized.
Operation O Kae Molao was effective in Johannesburg District under the leadership of its District Commissioner Major General Max Masha where over 170 suspects were arrested. Operations were conducted in Hillbrow, Soweto, Douglasdale and Sandringham. The suspects were arrested for crime ranging from armed robbery, burglary, possession of dagga, possession of drugs, assault, and malicious damage to property. Fifty five undocumented people were taken in for processing in Johannesburg. The raids for counterfeit goods continued in Johannesburg CBD where SAPS, Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Brand Owners confiscated goods worth R2.4 million.
A mission to deal with illegal mining in Ekurhuleni is continuing. The District Commissioner Major General Vincent Leshabane took the Operation O Kae Molao to Springs where illegal mining is rife. A search was conducted and members of SAPS together with other law enforcement agencies seized 29 water pumps and a mixer ‘phenduka’ and other tools that are used for illegal mining. Fifteen illegal immigrants were arrested on the spot. Furthermore, operations were conducted in Ivory Park and Tembisa where the police closed down 12 illegal liquor outlets arrested more than 190 various serious and violent crimes.
Operation O Kae Molao, which is receiving the support of the community on the ground, will continue to make the space smaller for the criminals in Gauteng.
