37 Arrested in police blitz 

Rustenburg – A total of 37 suspects were arrested for various offences in Marikana on Thursday 23 January as police leave no stone unturned in their quest to ensure communities in Rustenburg are safer and free of crime. 

The suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods, liquor-related offences, and possession of copper cable. 

All 37 suspects are now appearing before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court.

The operation was well planned with crime fighting teams made up of South African Police Services (SAPS) personnel, provincial traffic officers as well as Public Safety, being deployed at various points in Marikana to ensure success.      

Additionally, a roadblock was mounted along the D108/Hallmore road, while another team concentrated on firearm and liquor compliance.

  
The crime-fighting initiative also focused on the detection of narcotics, illegal firearms and ammunition, stop and search initiatives, compliance in terms of second-hand goods as well as maintaining high police visibility at crime hotspots.

Said police spokesperson Elsabé Augoustides: “During the operation, a suspected stolen motor vehicle was recovered as well as stolen batteries in the Marikana central business district. Large amounts of copper cable were recovered while numerous arrests were made.” 

Five unlicensed taverns were shut down and a large amount of liquor was confiscated. 

“A total of 51 vehicles were stopped and 109 persons were searched,” Augoustides explained.

 
Rustenburg cluster commander major general Arthur Adams said crime-fighting initiatives will be intensified as part of a wider initiative to ensure the safety of all communities.