JMPD
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – JOHANNESBURG law enforcers arrested more than 40 suspects for numerous crimes on New Year ’s Eve.
In Hillbrow, Joint operations between the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service, Emergency Management Services and Disaster Management Services led to the arrest of nine suspects in connection with crimes such as assault, rape, possession of stolen cars and possession of dangerous weapons.
JMPD spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, said the Hillbrow operation we also seized 12 packets of nyaope and closed down two liquor outlets because of non-compliance with licence conditions.
The operation also saw six problematic buildings searched and several dangerous weapons, including knives and pangas, confiscated.
New Year’s Eve operations also resulted in 23 arrests for speeding along the N1 near Midrand and a further 12 arrests for drunken driving.
“Joint operations over the years have seen a reduction in major incidences in Johannesburg, especially during New Year’s Day celebrations,” said Minnaar.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councillor Sello Lemao has attributed the reduction in the number of unlawful incidents in Johannesburg to improvements in public behavior.
“This is very encouraging for Joburg though we believe much more can be done by all of us to reduce road fatalities, drowning and fires,” Lemao said.
He added that a New Year’s party at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, which attracted thousands of revellers, went off without any major incidents, as did a fireworks display at Nugget Hill, prayer service at FNB Stadium and celebrations in Vilakazi Street in Orlando West, Soweto.
Parks were also heavily patrolled on New Year’s Day to ensure by-law compliance and improved safety and security for all park users.
– CAJ News
