A peaceful march by approximately 50 people in Welkom on 30 June took place without incident.

On 29 June, in preparation for the March-to-March protest actions, a district-wide police deployment resulted in more than 253 fines and dozens of arrests.

On 30 June the march proceeded from the intersection of Koppie Alleen and Stateway to Central Park, where three memorandums were handed over to representatives of the SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, and Matjhabeng Local Municipality.

Brig. Disebo Cezula, station commander of Welkom, accepted the memorandum concerning police visibility and crime in the area.

The gathering dispersed peacefully with no incidents or property damage reported in Matjhabeng.

Police and law enforcement agencies closely monitored Welkom and other policing precincts within the district to maintain stability and public order.

No arrests were made related to the march.

Police deployment across the Lejweleputswa District ahead of the planned marches yielded significant results. Officers of various tactical units, visible policing, detectives, the Hawks, support services, the Department of Home Affairs, traffic department and private security conducted disruptive operations across the district.

The deployment, which commenced on Sunday 28 June and is ongoing, saw members conduct roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections, stop and searches, tracing operations, document verifications, and intelligence-driven operations.

More than 253 fines were issued for contravention of the Free State Gambling and Liquor Act, one for possession of illegal tobacco, and five for possession of counterfeit goods.

Ten suspects were arrested for driving under the influence, 33 for contravention of the Immigration Act, five for possession of dangerous weapons, and 11 for trespassing.

Four arrests were made for possession of drugs, one for possession of an unlicensed firearm, three for possession of ammunition without a licence, and three for sexual offences.

Other police actions resulted in the arrests of five murder suspects in two separate cases, and three kidnapping and attempted murder suspects. Further arrests were made for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, illegal possession of precious metals, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of housebreaking implements.

The Lejweleputswa District commissioner, Maj. Gen. Tholie Afonso, commended the dedication of members and urged them to continue creating a safe and secure environment for all.

“They must leave no stone unturned as lawlessness and criminality will not be tolerated,” Afonso said.

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