Crime fighting efforts in the region reaped great results this past week with several dangerous weapons removed from the streets and large amounts of liquor seized.
Brigadier Donovan Heilbron, Deputy District Commissioner: Operational, reports that 56 integrated operations, in cooperation with various other law enforcement agencies, were held during the period 9-15 January.
Three of these operations, said Heilbron, were major operations executed by Overberg Crime Intelligence members and the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
“During one of these sting operations two suspects were arrested in Grabouw after they were found in possession of unlicensed firearms. These suspects have been linked to a number of business robberies, especially at spaza shops in Khutsong, Siyanyanzela and Water Works informal settlements in Grabouw.”
Captain Raldeen Atson. spokesperson for the Grabouw Police, confirmed a 22-year old woman and 20-year-old man appeared in the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court on charges of the possession of a firearm without a licence and the illegal possession of ammunition.
“The team followed up information in Khutsong when they discovered a 7.65 and a 9mm pistol,” she said. “The team also confiscated forty 7.65 rounds and 14 9mm rounds. The suspects appeared in the Grabouw Magistrate’s Court on 11 January and the case was postponed to 1 February.”
The investigation into this case, said Heilbron, has been taken over by the Provincial Organised Crime unit.
“The investigation is ongoing. More charges might be added. The team will also investigate the likelihood that more suspects may have been involved.”
A number of operations targeted at illegal liquor outlets (shebeens) were also executed in Grabouw and Villiersdorp, Hermanus and Bredasdorp.
Three suspects were arrested for dealing in liquor without the necessary licence. The police confiscated large amounts of alcohol at each of the premises.
“We focused on these illegal liquor outlets because liquor is one of the main contributors to crime,” Heilbron explained. “A large number of knives and pangas were also seized.”
The Overberg Cluster also celebrated the achievements of local police officials who were honoured at the Provincial Police Excellence Awards for outstanding achievements.
WO Francis Volkwyn, a detective from the Bredasdorp Police, received the Detective of the Year award. Volkwyn investigated the case of Charlene October, a former officer who was murdered in Elim. Her former husband, Ashley October, and his accomplice, Tashwell van der Rheede, were convicted and sentenced last year.
WO Gordon van der Westhuizen from Hermanus police, an excellent gunman, won the Sportsman of the Year award.
“The District Task Team also scooped up an award for Crime Prevention in the Group Category,” said Heilbron.
