Cops arrest almost 2 000

A CLAMPDOWN on crime saw almost 2 000 people arrested and R350 000 worth of drugs and alcohol seized across the Eastern Cape. Police spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said the initiative from December 1 to Thursday saw several police divisions join forces as part of a provincial strategy. “More than 1 900 suspects have been arrested for various crimes and have appeared at various courts around the province,” she said. Drugs such as mandrax, dagga, tik and cocaine worth a total of R250 000 and liquor worth R100 000 were seized. Soci said 21 firearms and 144 knives were confiscated and 16 stolen vehicles recovered.

The initiative is part of the national “Back-to-Basics” policing campaign, which is linked to the festive season operational plan ending next month. Between Wednesday and Thursday, seven police stations in the Mount Road cluster in Port Elizabeth also arrested 39 people for murder, domestic violence, rape and vehicle theft. “The objective of the heavy police contingent is to ensure that residents and visitors feel safe,” Soci said. The search-and-rescue unit and police would be out in full force to monitor beaches for the rest of the season. Provincial police commissioner General Celiwe Binta urged residents to work with the police.