Eastern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, commended the efforts of all District Commissioners and their members who were working to reduce serious and violent crimes, to ensure that all people, tourists included, enjoyed the festive season.
The deployment of maximum manpower on the ground, coupled with strong leadership, played a pivotal role in achieving a significant reduction of certain categories of crime, such as murders, attempted murders, robberies, and burglaries (home and business), since the start of the festive season operations from October 2023 to date. During this period, 241 arrests were effected for illegal possession of firearms, 185 arrests were made for possession of ammunition, and 1 076 people were arrested for drunk driving. In total 16 810 suspects were arrested for various crimes.
Despite these positive strides, Mene expressed her deep concern over the increase in reported rape cases during the festive period.
Recognising the gravity of this issue, Mene is urging women to be on their guard at all times.
Some of the successes included:
- An arrest by SAPS Humansdorp Crime Prevention members on January 1, 2024, when they stopped and searched a vehicle on the N2. The suspect, from Knysna, was found in possession of 400 mandrax tablets. The total estimated value is R28 000.
- SAPS Grahamstown Highway Patrol members arrested two suspects, aged 35 and 38, in possession of a vehicle that was hijacked in Gqeberha. A total of six cellphones and cash were also confiscated.
- SAPS East London members, while performing festive season operations, arrested two suspects who were caught while busy changing batteries on a hijacked vehicle. It is alleged that the owner spotted his car on the esplanade and alerted the members. A 9mm pistol with ammunition was also found on one suspect. The vehicle was stolen in Duncan Village.
- SAPS Humewood members arrested four suspects on December 31, after following a tracker activation of a hijacked vehicle. Two replica firearms and the hijacked vehicle were recovered.
- A 19-year-old man was arrested on January 1 for the alleged murder of a 19-year-old female in Zwelitsha. He was detained on charges of murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and theft of a firearm. It is alleged that he used his uncle’s firearm to commit the offence. A case of negligent loss of firearm was also opened against the uncle.
- A 24-year-old man was arrested on December 31, after SAPS Mtontsasa members searched his house and recovered an illegal 9mm pistol (serial number filed off) in his possession. The firearm is suspected to have been used in a business burglary in December 2023.
Lt Gen Mene, with the senior managers, visited places of entertainment, beaches, and malls, as well as roadblocks in the OR Tambo, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Sarah Baartman districts, with her District Commissioners, senior managers, and newly-appointed police constables.
“I urge residents to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and work collaboratively with law enforcement to create a safer environment for all. The SAPS in the province remains committed to proactively addressing and mitigating crime during this time, while everyone is enjoying themselves.
“Our deployments have intensified in hotspot areas and this has paid off with a reduction of certain categories of crime. I extend my appreciation to all our men and women in blue for their commitment and dedication. Our operations are continuing,” added Lt Gen Mene.
