The Mitchell’s Plain police cluster arrested 176 people for drug-related crimes during searches conducted at 50 drug dens over the past week.
The cluster includes Mitchell’s Plain, Lentegeur, Strandfontein, Steenberg, Grassy Park, Lansdowne, Athlone and Philippi police stations.
The police conducted raids and focused on drugs, stolen goods, wanted suspects and shebeens.
Two people were arrested on charges relating to selling liquor illegally.
Two stolen vehicles were also recovered and tracing operations led to the arrest of nine wanted suspects.
A total of 426 spaza shops were visited and four people were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms.
Thirty-two cases of violence against women and children were reported, with four people arrested during the operations.
A 24-year-old man was arrested in Crevasse Street in Tafelsig on Saturday September 9 at 11.35pm for being in possession of a 9mm pistol with a magazine and nine 9mm cartridges. The pistol’s serial number had been filed off.
Mitchell’s Plain police officers spotted the man during their crime prevention duties He faces a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. According to police he is a gang member.
Mitchell’s Plain station Commander Brigadier Goolam urged the community to be responsible firearm owners and to make sure the weapon is stored safely.Ensure that the key is in a safe place and the code is kept secret. Keep firearms away from children. Report any loss immediately. He commended the police officers involved in the operations for their hard work and dedication. Call the police at Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or at your local police station. All information will be treated as highly confidential.