GEORGE NEWS - During the past week, 43 suspects were arrested following a spate of violence related to drug abuse among youngsters in the Pacaltsdorp area.

In one of these incidents, on 1 September, a 17-year-old boy lost his right hand during what is believed to have been a gang-related incident.

“These crimes associated with drug abuse and a recent spate of violence among youths have necessitated the local police management to intensify their efforts to eradicate the prevalence of crime in general within their precinct,” said Southern Cape police spokesperson, Capt Malcolm Pojie.

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Some of the suspects have already appeared in court, whereas 28 are to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court later today, Monday 27 September, for charges ranging from possession of drugs to the possession of dangerous weapons and possession of suspected stolen goods.

“Operation Clean-Up, an integrated crime combatting operation consisting of various police units, focused on crime-ridden residential areas within Pacaltsdorp such as Eden Park, New Dawn Park and the newly erected low-cost housing residential neighbourhood known as Reiger Park,” said Pojie.

During the operation 21 suspects were arrested for the possession of illegal drugs – 10 for Mandrax and 11 for tik. One arrest was made for illegal dealing in liquor and three for the possession of dangerous weapons. 

Seven were arrested for house breaking and theft, while four were taken in on charges of suspicion of stolen goods. One person was arrested on a charge of sexual assault and two of the suspects were on the wanted list.

A total of 73 full and 43 half Mandrax tablets, 12 bankies of tik, one replica firearm, a two-way traffic radio, a scale used in the distribution and weighing of drugs and liquor were confiscated from the suspects. Cash to the amount of R11 036, suspected to be from the proceeds of illicit drug and liquor trade, was also seized.

Illegal liquor confiscated during the operation.

Acting Eden Cluster Commander Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana commended the members involved in the arrests. “Their efforts to eradicate the proliferation of major crime do not go unnoticed and create a safer environment for the Southern Cape residents,” he said.

Provincial management has lauded the Pacaltsdorp police for their commitment and continued efforts to address the root causes of their crime situation adequately. They are encouraged to continue with these initiatives and actions that aim to create a safer environment for all the residents of Pacaltsdorp.

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