Crime Stop, Crime Line tip-offs lead to 52 arrests

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale: “All it takes is a phone call to stand up and be counted as a crime fighter. Do the right thing, don’t stand back without playing a role in ridding our country of crime and criminals.” (Image: Jonund, via Wikimedia Commons)

As a result of tip-offs by community members to the Crime Stop number (08600 10111) and the Crime Line SMS line (32211), from October to December 2014, a total of 51 tip-offs proved to be positive.

This resulted in 52 arrests being made by SAPS officials.

During the course of these arrests, R323,500 worth of illegal substances and exhibits were seized. These arrests were effected over and above day-to-day policing duties and operations.

The most tip-offs received during this three-month period were in connection with the possession of or dealing in drugs.

As a result, 22 persons were taken into custody for the possession of drugs - mainly, cocaine, dagga, Mandrax and methampthetamine (tik) and eight (8) persons for dealing in dagga, tik, cocaine and ecstacy.

There were a few significant successes as a result of tip-offs to the two popular anonymous reporting lines, Crime Stop and Crime Line.

In Kei Mouth, in the Eastern Cape, a report of the rape of an eight-year-old child led to one suspect being arrested.

In Worcester, in the Western Cape, there was a tip-off alleging that pornography was being shown to children. Cellular phones and other items were seized for examination and further investigations are taking place.

Another tip-off of child abuse led police to premises in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, where four children were found, one of which was pregnant. One suspect was taken into custody.

Another community tip-off led to the arrest of two persons in Table View, in the Western Cape, on suspicion of fraud where it seems that the two individuals were impersonating medical doctors.

Other arrests were made in connection with illegally dealing in liquor, housebreaking and theft and possession of stolen property.

During this three-month period, reservists attached to the SAPS Detective Service also arrested nine wanted persons on warrants of arrest - one suspect on a murder charge, five on drug charges, two persons for assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm and one person who was wanted in connection with driving under the influence.

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale has thanked all community-members who have played their part in ridding their neighbourhoods of criminal activity and drug peddling.

"All it takes is a phone call to stand up and be counted as a crime fighter. Do the right thing, don't stand back without playing a role in ridding our country of crime and criminals," he said.

The Primedia Group has also thanked the public for passing on tip-offs.

"We thank the SAPS for following up on the information and for making the arrests," said Yusuf Abramjee of Primedia.

Abramjee again appealed to tipsters to provide detailed information when passing on information - provide the Who; What; When; Where; Why and How.

"Let's all continue to join hands and make SA safer. It's time to 'Turn Back Crime'," Abramjee said.