Weekend police operation nets 108 suspects

STAFF REPORTER

THE Port Alfred police cluster made 108 arrests for various crimes including robbery, assault, drunken driving and other drug-related offences during Operation High Density last weekend.

Police spokesman Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula said contact crimes (such as rape and indecent assault) and property crimes (including housebreaking and business robbery) were targeted in the operation which began last Friday, with 39 police officers from the cluster enforcing the law.

On Saturday, 36 officers took part and 44 officers were made available for the operation on Sunday.

Mjekula said police arrested people for serious crimes and other less serious crimes, issued fines and confiscated drugs as well as a number of stolen items.

Among those arrested were four suspects who allegedly robbed a shop in Nemato on Sunday night. It is alleged four men entered Double Discount Shop and pretended they wanted to buy polony. They tackled the cashier and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

However, police arrested the four, aged between 19 and 23, on the same day and they are due to appear in court shortly.

Mjekula said police are also looking for suspects who robbed a business in Kenton-on-Sea on Sunday, February 11. It is alleged the complainant was talking to his friend when two armed men fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. The shop owner was shot in the incident.

• Police are investigating a case of house robbery following an alleged attack on an elderly couple in Gleneagles Drive, Port Alfred on Wednesday, February 15.

It is alleged that the couple was at home when two young men entered their home through the back entrance. One of them was allegedly armed with garden shears. The intruders demanded money, tied up the couple's hands behind their backs and locked them in their bedroom before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money, a laptop, cellphones and other items.

The couple managed to untie themselves and notified a neighbour who alerted MultiSecurity and the police were called to the scene.

Police later recovered the laptop and other clothing items from nearby bushes.

No arrests have been made but police are following leads.

• Last weekend also saw a spate of burglaries in Port Alfred and Mjekula said police urge members of the public to always be vigilant and exercise caution.

In one incident at about 8.45pm on Sunday, February, a resident was at the back of his house when he heard a bang on the door. On inspection, he found no one in the house but that certain valuable items were missing.

The items included a digital camera, computer equipment and jewellery. Residents are urged to ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when there is no one at home.

Mjekula issued other tips, including:

· You should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep

· Always keep a torch nearby at night

· If you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, for example if your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home

· Contact a neighbour to assist you in securing your home