GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Local police focused on the removal of dangerous weapons, drugs and alcohol from the streets of crime-ridden areas this weekend.
On Saturday 11 June, members of the Pacaltsdorp Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) embarked on operations in Pacaltsdorp and arrested 10 suspects aged between 26 and 47 for the possession of dangerous weapons, including an assortment of knives and pangas.
On Friday 10 June, Eden Cluster Crime Combatting Team, Kwanokuthula Crime Prevention Unit and Knysna CPU members conducted various operations in their operational areas.
The team arrested 14 suspects aged between 26 and 47 on charges of possession of dangerous weapons, possession of drugs as well as one of selling liquor without a licence. Police confiscated small quantities of drugs, various brands of liquor as well as sharp objects.
The suspects are expected to appear in various courts once charged.
Weapons confiscated from Pacaltsdorp over the weekend.
Ballots Bay attack
In the meantime, Thembalethu police are still on a manhunt for at least three suspects after a couple was attacked at their Ballots Bay Heights home on Monday 6 June at about 18:45. According to Southern Cape police spokesperson, Sgt Chris Spies, police responded to a call from the couple, a man (64) and woman (62), who were attacked by intruders at their home.
“At least three men allegedly entered the residence and proceeded to the lounge where the occupants were sitting. They forced the elderly woman to the ground and assaulted the man with unknown objects.
"A shooting ensued before the assailants fled with various items of jewellery. Both victims were later admitted to hospital for further medical care,” said Spies.
Crime scene experts were deployed to the scene and all leads are being followed-up.
It is believed that one of the assailants might have sustained injuries during the attack and medical facilities were alerted in this regard.
Swift response by Rural Flying Squad members landed four suspects behind bars a stolen vehicle as well as various clothing items were recovered.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the detective branch commander, Lieut-Col Benn, on 044 802 8900 or 082 778 7254. Alternatively, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially.
Illegal alcohol confiscated near Knysna.
Vehicle theft
On Saturday 11 June at about 15:30, police members who were deployed along the Robinson pass between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn responded to an alert of a Land Rover which was stolen earlier during a burglary at a residence in Great Brak River. They noticed the vehicle travelling near the R328 and pulled it over.
The driver (38) was unable to account for his possession of the vehicle and was arrested on a charge of theft of a motor vehicle. More charges could be added as the investigation unfolds.
The suspect was placed in police custody and is expected to appear in the Great Brak River Magistrate’s Court later today.
In an unrelated matter, three accused appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s court on Thursday 9 June after being arrested on charges of possession of stolen property.
'We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news'
