As part of evaluating the impact of the Safer Festive Season Operations since its launch on Thursday, 1 November 2018 in the Eastern Cape, the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, visited the North West Province on Tuesday,18 and Wednesday, 19 December 2018.

Photo Cred: Tshepiso Gregory Moreosele

Minister Cele interacted with members of the community through visits in Ramatlabama Port of Entry, Mega City Mall, Mahikeng Mall, Sondela informal settlement, Dikhibidung, Boitekong Mall and Rustenburg Bus Rank. During interaction with communities on crime related issues, the Minister gave commitment that the police together with other relevant role players will ensure safety and security during festive season.

Photo Cred: Tshepiso Gregory Moreosele

–Tshepiso Gregory Moreosele

Cele’s Festive Operation Stats and counting…

• During the operations at both clusters (Mahikeng and Rustenburg), 172 suspects were arrested through suspect raiding operations for various offences such as burglary residential, stock theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of drugs, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), drunken driving, rape, theft, malicious damage to property and contravention of protection order.

• A total of 45 road traffic fines were issued to motorists while six persons were fined for liquor related offences. As part of enforcement of Second-Hand Goods Act, 2009, six fines were issued to dealers who operated without licences.

In one of the multi-disciplinary operations focusing on counterfeit goods in Fatima Bhayat Street, Rustenburg, goods worth R8 million that were confirmed to be counterfeit by brand holders were seized from several stores.

The operations led to the recovery of two suspected stolen motor vehicles worth R90 000,00 at Setlopo village, Mahikeng. Other confiscated goods include drugs, cell phones, and copper cables.

The Minister was accompanied by National and Provincial police management, MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management, among others.

Photo Cred: Tshepiso Gregory Moreosele

-SAPS

-The VIP Team