AmaPanyaza helping seize counterfeit goods during an operation in Gauteng. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook
AmaPanyaza helps fight crime over the festive season
AmaPanyaza, have proven to be instrumental in the fight against crime as they formed part of crime prevention operations over the holidays.
AmaPanyaza helping seize counterfeit goods during an operation in Gauteng. Photo: SAPS/ Facebook
The Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, also known as AmaPanyaza, have shown their worth over the festive season having partnered with other law enforcement agencies to fight crime in Gauteng.
AMAPANYZA FORM EXTRA BOOTS ON THE GROUND OVER FESTIVE SEASON
Together with other law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), were out in full swing to ensure that the public of Gauteng is and feels safe during the New Year’s Eve celebrations and beyond as they intensified crime prevention duties and visibility across the province.
It was more boots on the ground as various disruptive operations were conducted simultaneously in all the five districts in Gauteng – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, West Rand and Sedibeng with the one in Johannesburg District led by the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola and Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela accompanied by the MEC of Community Safety, Ms Faith Mazibuko.
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SUCCESSES DURING THE FESTIVE OPERATIONS
According to SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the integrated-multidisciplinary operations resulted in the arrest of over 2900 people, including 688 wanted suspects that were arrested by the detectives during their tracing operations.
“The suspects were charged with different crimes such as possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, drunk and driving, dealing in drugs, possession of suspected stolen property, murder, rape, sexual offences and undocumented persons amongst others.
“Seizures were also made, varying from dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms, ammunition, copper cables and illicit cigarettes,” Colonel Nevhuhulwi explained.
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NEW YEAR’S EVE FORCES RECLAIM THE STREETS OF HILLBROW
On Saturday, 30 December 2023, a search and seizure operation was conducted involving AmaPanyza in Johannesburg Central and it led to the recovery of counterfeit goods to the value of R7 million.
Colonel Nevhuhulwi added that the operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow which in the past years has been infamous for reckless and lawlessness during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
“Some of the arrested suspects were released after paying fines while the others are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Court with Gauteng from Tuesday, 02 January 2024,” she further explained.
