As a direct result of tip-offs by civic-minded citizens, 57 individuals were arrested across the country between January and March 2015.
These tip-offs, relating to crime and criminal activities, were received by the police’s Crime Stop office on the telephone number 08600 10111 and Primedia’s SMS tip-off number, Crime Line, 32211. All tip-offs were handled by the Crime Stop office and followed up by SAPS members.
The most tip-offs were received in connection with the possession of and dealing in drugs and 33 people were arrested and a variety of drugs, such as dagga, tik, Mandrax, heroin, CAT, ecstasy and nyaope were seized.
Other crimes in connection with which arrests were made after tip-offs were received were murder, abduction, shoplifting, prostitution, fraud, selling liquor without a licence and being in possession of suspected stolen property.
The murder case related to an incident in Katlehong, Gauteng, where a man was wanted for the murder of his son. After the tip-off was received at the Crime Stop office, police reacted quickly and managed to effect an arrest.
Reservists performing detective duties also arrested two individuals in Honeydew, Gauteng, on warrants of arrest for fraud.
The total value of the items seized by police members during the 57 arrests is R190 000.
“We thank community-members who decided to play an active role in rooting crime, criminals and drugs out of their neighbourhoods,” said National Commissioner of Police, General Riah Phiyega.
“There is no doubt, however, that more needs to be done. We are working hard with stakeholders to ensure that we open more avenues for tip-offs to reach the police quickly, anonymously if necessary and in a cost-effective manner,” she added.
“The relationship between the public, police and media is integral in the fight against crime. We are humbled by the active citizenship shown by communities to work with police in clamping down on crime. Please continue to work with us in achieving our vision of a safer South Africa for all by blowing the whistle on crime,” said Primedia.
When submitting a tip-off, whether via phone, sms or a website (www.saps.gov.za and www.crimeline.co.za) remember we need to know “Who did what to whom, when, where and why”.
Enquiries:
Lt Gen Solomon Makgale
Cell: 082 781 8863
