GEORGE NEWS - A number of arrests were made during the past weekend as police clamped down on drug and liquor outlets in and around George as part of the police’s annual Safer Festive Season campaign. Operations also included roadblocks, vehicle check points and patrols in crime-ridden areas.
On Sunday 19 December a 51-year-old man from Thembalethu was arrested on charges of selling liquor without a licence. Police seized 13 cases of beer from the premises.
On Friday 17 December, members of the rural flying squad arrested a man for drug possession at a vehicle check point on the N12 between Oudtshoorn and George.
According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Chris Spies they stopped and searched a suspicious-looking Opel Corsa and found 1 040 grams of dagga hidden in the door panels. “The driver, believed to be in his early forties, was arrested on a charge of possession of drugs,” Spies said.
On the same day, four alleged robbers were arrested in Zone 4, Thembalethu, after a house robbery. Spies said it is alleged that at least four men entered the residence and one of them strangled a man inside the house.
The victim also sustained a stab wound to his head. “He managed to escape and sought assistance from a neighbour. The suspects thereafter took an undisclosed amount of cash, cellphones, liquor and car keys before they fled the scene,” he said.
Investigation took police to an informal settlement in Zone 7 where four suspects were later arrested. The four, aged between 22 and 24, remain in custody.
Police ready for a safer festive season
Police in the Southern Cape have already rolled out their Safer Festive Season operational plans, strategically deploying members and physical resources.
“Festive season operations are being conducted in conjunction with the Western Cape provincial traffic department, local traffic and law enforcement, security companies, neighbourhood watch volunteers and other law enforcement agencies,” said Spies.
“These operations include roadblocks, vehicle check points, blue light patrols in crime-stricken areas, mall and beach patrols, visits to liquor outlets and the closing down of unlicensed shebeens as well as drug outlets. Detectives are also embarking on tracing operations for wanted suspects.
"Our officers are also on high alert to respond swiftly to incidents of gender-based violence (GBV), especially crimes against women, children and the elderly. We also appeal to the public to report incidents of/and perpetrators of GBVF to the police without delay.”
Safety of road users
Spies said the safety of road users is key to their operational approach. The police have embarked on a number of road safety initiatives in partnership with the traffic department.
“We appeal to all motorists to drive safely and courteously, to ensure the safety of other road users, including pedestrians, while obeying road rules, to maintain speed limits and refrain from consuming liquor or texting while driving,” he said.
Motorists are also encouraged to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before undertaking long distance trips, and to take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue.
Swimming safety
The public are advised to be cautious around beaches, dams and swimming pools, especially with children. Police are often inundated with cases of missing children and parents should take extra care of their whereabouts.
Lastly, Spies said, the police and other law-enforcement agencies will be out in full force during this festive period to ensure the safety and security of everyone. Heightened police visibility can be expected during this week and the week leading up to New Year’s eve.
“A zero tolerance approach will be maintained as we work closely with communities to ensure that the public are and feel safe.”
Dagga confiscated from the vehicle on the N12.
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