Management of police in Gauteng has commended the crime prevention efforts by the team working in the West Rand after police on Friday morning, 08 March 2019, uncovered 11 abandoned petrol bombs at a taxi rank in Blybank near Carletonville.
It is reported that on Friday 08 March 2019, three houses were petrol bombed – two in Thembelihle and one in Phomolong, for which cases of malious damage to property are being investigated. This brings to total 23 houses that have been petrol bombed since November 2018. Gunshots were also heard last night at neighbouring Mphahlwa Village.
Police have since November 2018 arrested 40 suspects for various crimes that include: assault, car hijacking, theft, public violence, possession of unlicensed firearm, arson and intimidation.
Those who continue to undermine the law, committing crime and then hiding behind strikes, will be arrested and will face the full might of the law.
In the quest by the South African Police Service to uphold its mandate as per Section 205 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, (Act 108 of 1996); and the subsequent commitment to observe Section 17 of the Bill of Rights that guarantees the right to protest unarmed in a peaceful manner, Gauteng police have issued a stern warning to criminals that police will employ and deploy whatever legal means necessary to address any lawlessness.
“It cannot be that when Police execute their legislated mandate, then police are accused of all sorts of things. Yes we may have many operations but “Operation Staan-en-Kyk” is certainly not one of them. We will not sit and watch as crime and lawlessness prevails at the expense of law abiding citizens. The right to protest comes with responsibilities,” warned Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
Police remain on high alert and have heightened visibility; and will stay in the area until law and order is restored
