KNYSNA NEWS - Criminals who thought the festive season was a festival of crime, walked right into the iron hand of the Knysna security forces.
Joint operations conducted under the umbrella of Operation Fiela, comprising among others members of the Knysna police, Knysna Municipal Traffic and Law Enforcement, Provincial Traffic, Knysna Correctional Services, SA National Parks and local security companies, yielded positive results with the arrest of 149 suspects since December 1.
Sgt Chris Spies, spokesperson for the Knysna Police, on Tuesday, December 15, said: "These operations included stop-and-search, vehicle check points, vehicle and foot patrols, visits to liquor outlets and roadblocks. The suspects were arrested in Knysna for various offences, which included 33 suspects arrested for drug-related offences. "It includes dealing in drugs and possession in drugs."
Spies continued, saying: "Most notably was the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect, Hilton Williams, at a house that had been identified as a crime generator at Kaptein Street, Hornlee for dealing in drugs. He was also arrested on similar charges last month. The police also confiscated dagga and tik during this arrest. This suspect is still in custody and will appear in the Knysna Magistrate's court on Thursday, December 17 for a formal bail application."
"Another 51-year-old suspect was also arrested for dealing in dagga after 145 bankies of dagga (cannabis) was found in his possession. Members of the police also confiscated small quantities of dagga, tik and mandrax. A special focus is being placed on the abuse of liquor and road safety. One suspect has been arrested for dealing in liquor without a licence and seven for driving motor vehicles while under the influence of liquor."
Other arrests were as follows:
- Murder - 1
- Assault with the intent to commit grievous bodily harm - 14
- Possession of dangerous weapons - 2
- Robbery - 6
- Rape - 5
- Housebreaking and theft - 9
- Possession of suspected stolen property - 4
- Outstanding warrants of arrest - 11
- Attempted murder - 2
"The other arrests include outstanding theft out of shops, malicious damage to property, drunk and disorderly behaviour and other minor offences. Most of these suspects already appeared in the Knysna Magistrate's Court."
The station commander of the Knysna Police, Colonel Michael Taylor, commended members of various security agencies who contributed to the arrest of these suspects. "This zero tolerance approach will continue throughout the festive season to deal with any illegal activities and to ensure a safe festive season. We also want to urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies on the ground and to comply with their instructions," he said.
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