Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
MEDIA STATEMENT POLICE LAUNCH NEW CRACKDOWN ON CRIME
Police have launched a series of high-profile crime prevention activities across the province.
Roadblocks have been put up in several centres since the weekend, in areas such as Katlehong, Vanderbijlpark, Tembisa, Olifantsfontein. Mabopane and Laudium. Taxi ranks in Greater Soweto have also been targetted by police.
More details of the operations - which will last throughout February - are available from the police.
Gauteng's MEC for Safety & Security, Ms Jessie Duarte, has welcomed the police action, saying: "We have instructed the police to ensure visible policing in key areas, and that is exactly what they are doing: They are providing a visible service to the law-abiding people of Gauteng."
The actions were ordered by Provincial Police Commissioner Sharma Maharaj after discussions with Ms Duarte, and are aimed specifically at curbing illegal weapons and preventing vehicle theft.
Police patrols are taking place in most parts of the province, and regular roadblocks are being put up on major highways and entrance to key suburbs and townships.
Police stations in neighbouring areas are staging joint operations to ensure the maximum use of resources. The police air-wing will be brought in to provide additional support where necessary.
"These actions will create some disturbances, and we apologise in advance to people who may be delayed in queues at roadblocks," Ms Duarte said.
She added: "Obviously, as a Ministry w need feedback from the public in order to monitor the police activity. We have an important role to play in monitoring police performance, and the public can serve as our eyes and ears.
"We need to know if this wave of police action is working, so I would welcome information from the public on the success of the roadblocks and searches.
"This is also an opportune time to provide the police with information on known criminal activity. So if you know of people who are involved in crime, let the police know as soon as possible so that action can be taken."
Issued by: Chris Vick, Communications Director, Office of th Premier Telephone: (011) 2401641 Pager: (011) 4571111 code 7320