EAST LONDON – In an effort to rid Eastern Cape rural towns and urban metropolis of rampant crime, Operation Gijima Tsotsi, an intervention by the Provincial Commissioner took place last night in various crime hotspots in the Buffalo City Metro from 13:00 till 22:00 last night, 04 October 2019.
This three months old unique intervention has been to Mdantsane, Port Alfred, Lusikisiki, Graaff Reinett, Aberdeen, Mt Fletcher just to mention a few towns and has a particular attention for enforcement of alcohol traders as the alcohol abuse lead to increased crime.
Officers and members paraded and were briefed by Brigadier Ntsabo while overall commander of the Operation was Brigadier Kupiso who addressed the officers and members explaining terms of the concepts of Eastern Cape Intervention Plan: Operations Economic Stimulus and Stabilization
The two Commanders also explained one of the key objectives of the operation, to remove the East London cluster from the Top 30 Stations in the Eastern Cape who have high crime rate. Addressing members on operational readiness, Brigadier Ntsabo told all on parade to be more vigilant for their safety throughout the operation, especially when they prevent violent crimes like Business Robbery and Common Robbery.
Other government departments present were Home Affairs and BCM Traffic
In East London CBD, and surrounding areas like Quigney, North En,Southern Wood, CBD, Needs Camp, Reeston, New Life visible policing was achieved through vehicle check point, people search, immigration verification as well as search for undocumented immigrants from 13:00 to 22:00.
32 fines were issued by BCMM Traffic officials to the value of R24 100, 00 while 19 undocumented males were arrested.
Two suspects aged 33 years old and one 35-year-old female were arrested for dealing in dagga and mandrax. A lot of loose and packed Swazi dagga packets were found in their room including four mandrax tablets and cash.
Crime Intelligence and OCC Mdantsane members tracing a wanted suspect at Needs Camp, unfortunately the target escaped through the back door. A woman suspected to be a girlfriend of the escapee was arrested and charged for possession of firearm namely a Glock 9mm with ten (10) live rounds. The firearm was confiscated and will be taken for forensic test.
The provincial tracing team and detectives successfully traced and arrested 21 male suspects for various charges and outstanding warrants of arrests.
Three shebeens were closed for dealing in liquor without a licence at Reeston, Newlife and Scenery Park.
Eastern Cape Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Andre Swart commended the members for going out at night to participate in operations aimed to rid East London of crime. “Operation Gijima Tsotsi will continue to stop in different towns, cities and metros to make it uncomfortable for criminals by enforcement of laws and arresting of perpetrators,” he said.
Source: South African Police Service