Joint operation leads to 88 arrests, demonstrating that cooperation is necessary in the fight against crime
On Saturday, 4 July, AfriForum conducted a joint law enforcement operation in the north of Pretoria alongside various security stakeholders. During this operation, 88 arrests were made. The operation once again demonstrated that crime can be effectively combatted when law enforcement agencies, the private security industry, and community organisations pool their resources and expertise to make a difference.
Numerous law enforcement agencies, private security companies, and community safety stakeholders participated in this operation, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), national traffic police, the Immigration Services division of the Department of Home Affairs, Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Prosec CITR247, Pro Shield’s drone unit, the Amandasig Action Group, and various AfriForum structures such as the K9 unit of AfriForum’s Brits neighbourhood watch, as well as the Noord van die Berg, Greater Moot, Centurion, and Wes-Moot neighbourhood watches.
The operation was divided into three sections: a roadblock in Paul Kruger Street, a compliance operation in the north of Pretoria, and a compliance operation in Akasia.
One of the operation’s key successes occurred during the compliance operation in Akasia when officers pulled over a suspicious vehicle at a roadblock. During a search of the vehicle, two firearms were found, and a kidnapped person was subsequently discovered in the boot.
Three suspects were immediately arrested. Members of AfriForum helped secure the scene and provide support to law enforcement, after which the SAPS took over the scene and continued the criminal investigation.
Numerous arrests were made during the operation, including:
- 41 illegal immigrants;
- 34 arrests for driving while intoxicated;
- 5 arrests for the possession of drugs;
- 3 arrests related to a kidnapping;
- 2 arrests for public drinking;
- 1 arrest for the possession of an unlicensed firearm;
- 1 arrest for the possession of stolen goods; and
- 1 arrest for selling alcohol without a valid license.
Furthermore, four illegal taverns were closed down, and the operations of one illegal second-hand dealer were shut down.
“This operation is further proof that crime cannot be combatted by a single organisation alone. When the SAPS, TMPD, government departments, the private security industry, and community organisations pool their resources, the scope for criminals to operate is significantly restricted, and communities are safer,” says Llewellynn Hemmens, AfriForum’s spokesperson for Pretoria.
According to Hemmens, community organisations play an indispensable role as the first buffer against crime.
Community organisations and neighborhood watches are out on the streets daily; they know their neighborhoods and are often the first eyes and ears to notice suspicious activity. They play a crucial role by rapidly relaying information, securing scenes, supporting law enforcement, and mobilising resources until the competent authorities can fully handle the situation. This partnership between the community, the private sector, and law enforcement is vital to effectively curbing crime.
AfriForum expresses its appreciation to every officer, security company, community organisation, and volunteer who participated in the operation.
The organisation believes that this type of collaboration is the blueprint for safer communities and will continue to make its resources available to help build a safer future for communities together with all stakeholders.
