With the festive season operations in full swing, provincial security clusters have joined hands to fight crime in the Free State.
“The holiday season is the time when families visit one another and still need to be safe. Men and women in blue continue to conform to their mandate as specified in the Constitution, among others, to prevent, combat, and investigate crime while creating a safe and secure environment for all people in South Africa,” says Sgt Sinah Mpakane, media liaison officer for the Free State police.
Joint operations between the police and the departments of small business development, tourism and environmental affairs (Destea), home affairs, traffic and road freight were held between 29 November and 5 December, and several successes followed.
Officials arrested 1 056 suspects for various crimes in the province.
These include: 14 suspects were arrested for murder, 195 for assault, 27 people were arrested for rape, 81 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences, and 36 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The police confiscated 73 dangerous weapons, and the suspects were detained for possession of dangerous weapons.
They arrested 98 people for being in the country illegally.
A group of 28 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential properties, while 23 wanted suspects were traced and detained.
During these operations, police recovered various drugs including cocaine, crystal meth, dagga, nyaope, and mandrax.
Police also seized counterfeit cigarettes. During this operation 1 607 fines were issued.
“Police will enhance border security while also enforcing the legislation on the use of illegal firearms, liquor, and second-hand goods.
“These are some of the focus areas as stipulated when launching the festive season operations, including road safety,” says Mpakane.
