“We have declared a war against drugs. We appeal to the community to work hand-in-hand with us, and stop working against us,” says Sgt Mashudu Phathela, Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson.
He adds that although these arrests indicate that police officers are putting in a huge effort to rid the area of drug trade, some members of the community, especially relatives of the criminals, are still working against them.
“On Friday, September 5, officers arrested nine suspects for possession of drugs, but the suspects’ relatives and friends stormed the police station, and started swearing at the police for doing their job, while accusing the police of arresting the suspects for nothing,” states Phathela.
He adds that this kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.
“If they have any complaints, they need to follow the right channels. If someone has any complaint against the police, our station commander, Lieut-Col Sipho Mathebula, is always available and willing to attend to any complaint against his members.”
Arrests made between September 1 and 9: Grievous bodily harm (GBH) Assault 9; armed robbery 1; possession of unlicensed firearms 2; pointing of firearm 2; possession of drugs 13; dealing in drugs 3; dealing in liquor without a valid licence 6; theft 11; warrant of arrest 1; malicious damage to property 2; attempted murder 1; house break-in and theft 1; possession of dangerous weapon 1.
