Media statement 11 December 2023
Ald Grandi Theunissen
MMC for Community Safety
As the MMC for Community Safety, I am pleased to report that the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) reported several successes over the weekend during various law enforcement operations led by the TMPD, while other operations were joint efforts with relevant role players.
On Friday evening, 8 December 2023, at a roadblock in Mamelodi and under the personal leadership of Chief Yolanda Faro, three illegal firearms, ammunition and seven cell phones were recovered from a hijacked vehicle. One of the firearms was a South African Police Service (SAPS) pistol that had been stolen during a burglary. A Toyota Fortuner that had been stolen in the Garsfontein area was also recovered, much to the delight of its lawful owner. Furthermore, 11 people were arrested for drunk driving, one for assault and one for interfering with a police official.
On Saturday, these efforts were reinforced during a joint operation, Shanela, organised by the SAPS and supported by various law enforcement agencies, including the TMPD. More than 70 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from dealing in drugs, being undocumented foreign nationals, possessing unlicenced firearms, possessing drugs and drunk driving. Eight liquor outlets were closed for operating without a licence and owners were given the applicable fines.
During these operations, the TMPD issued some 128 AARTO fines with a monetary value of R96 050. The capabilities of its new alcohol bus not only ensured a total of 23 drunk driving arrests, but also enabled the TMPD to have motorists pay nearly R6 000 in outstanding fines through the payment system on the bus.
I want to commend the TMPD, SAPS and all other role players for their efforts to ensure increased and proper law enforcement in the run-up to the festive season. I also want to remind our residents not to drink and drive. Screening efforts on Friday evening indicated that out of the 160 drivers who were screened, 35 screened positive for alcohol and 11 were found over the legal limit.
Alcohol remains a large contributor to road accidents and fatalities. Let us drive sober and allow each other to celebrate Christmas, and not spend it worrying about or mourning our loved ones.
Enquiries: Ald Grandi Theunissen (grandit@tshwane.gov.za)