OPERATION Okae Molao took to the streets of Midrand in Joburg to shut down illegal liquor stores and arrest undocumented foreigners and drug dealers.
On Thursday, 20 April, the multi-disciplinary operation was led by the police and other law enforcement agencies.
This was part of their weekly campaign to mobilise resources in the province and focus on areas where crime is high.
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Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela said the operation contained three phases, one of which began on Wednesday night, 19 April.
"In the first phase, led by the intelligence service, three people were arrested, two firearms and a stolen vehicle were recovered.
"This happened after the team followed the vehicle in which a group of people had intentions of committing robbery in the area," said Mawela.
He said that inside the vehicle cops found a three-channel jammer and a lot of car keys, which proves that the suspects intended to commit crimes in the area.
"The second phase was led by the detectives where at least 985 wanted suspects were arrested across the province," said Mawela.
He said that in the third phase, the roadblock in Midrand, 30 undocumented foreigners were arrested.
"One taxi reported to be not roadworthy was impounded while one bakkie that has been tempered with was confiscated for further investigation," said Mawela.
The commissioner said that the overall operation yielded positive results across the province.
He said:
The councilor of Ward 112 in Midrand, Lerato Mphefo, welcomed the operation.
“South Africa has become a free for all in terms of crime and people do as they please. I am happy that this operation is here today so that people do not take advantage of the vulnerable,” Mphefo said.
