The South African Police Service (SAPS) in partnership with Free State National Road Traffic Cooperation, National Provincial Traffic, Private Security, Departments of Health and Home Affairs and South African Revenue Services (SARS) embarked on joint operations from the 18 November 2020 till the 24 November 2020 around the province in preparation for the safer festive season.
SAPS Spokesperson, Colonel Thandi Mbambo, said this was also done so as to conform to the mandate of the Department for Safety and Security and SAPS as reflected in Section 205 of the Constitution of Republic of South Africa, to prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property while they uphold the law.
During that period a total number of 215 people were arrested as follows: 7 people for murder, 2, attempted murder, 1 rape, 2 Gender based violence, 37 assault GBH , 28 Assault common , 4 Sexual offences, 1 robbery aggravating, 1 robbery with other weapon than a firearm, 8 malicious damage to property, 8 burglary in houses.
The other 6 people arrested for theft of Motor vehicle and motor cycle, 6 burglary excluding residents, 1 arrested on a crime related to stock theft, 41 drug related arrest, 15 for possession of suspected stolen property and another 15 for drunk and driving 19 people arrested for drinking in public and another 5 for dealing in liquor including 8 arrested for domestic violence.
Mbambo added that the operation also led to the confiscation of three motor vehicles, alcohol, 71 firearms and 81 ammunitions, drugs including cannabis, crystal meth, mandrax powder and tablets.
“Inspections for compliance were also conducted where 750 fines were issued ranging from transgressions of liquor Acts and Traffic Fines including Second Hands Goods,” she said.
