Police continue working hard to trace drug manufacturing labs and drug lords responsible for supplying drugs in Sophiatown and surrounding areas. The continuation of clampdown operations in Sophiatown have resulted in the arrest of nine suspects for possession of drugs, two for armed robbery, thirteen for assault, eight for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for theft and other crimes. The suspects will appear at the local Magistrate’s Court soon.
The team consisting of the Tactical Response Team, K9 unit and detectives tasked to deal with gang violence are conducting around the clock operations in Sophiatown ever since the Minister of Police visited the area following complaints related to gang violence, drug trafficking and other violent crimes. These operations have effectively contributed to a decline in violent crimes. In an unauthorised outlets over the weekend, fifteen suspects were arrested in a tavern after police responded to a complaint of people who attacked the JMPD van. The suspects were charged with malicious damage to property. Members of the community are experiencing more police visibility, information about drug runners and users is regularly conveyed to the police.
Police will continue with stop-and search operations as part of the clampdown throughout the festive season. As most people will be closing at work for holidays, police will also enforce the laws, especially drunk and driving and take a strong action against the selling of liquor to young people.