Philippi police took to the streets in Hanover Park since the start of the festive season. Police operations focusing on increased police visibility through an integrated approach and the deployment of personnel who are working in the support service environment as well as student constables turned to be successful. Police were deployed around the business sectors as well as the greater Hanover Park area.
Not left alone police also found the time to steal the hearts of a few children on a farm in Philippi by entertaining them with some music and treat them to party packets and also educating them around safety issues.
Following a flag of sporadic shootings in the Hanover Park, Phillipi SAPS members also increased their focus on illegal firearms and ammunition.
On Monday (2015-12-14) at about 14:00 four male suspects aged 27, 31, 32 and 47 respectively were arrested for the possession of illegal ammunition at in Surdown Walk Hanover Park. Police were patrolling the streets and saw the suspects in Surdown Walk, Hanover Park and upon searching them seized a large quantity of 9mm ammunition and a magazine of a Glock pistol. The suspect subsequently appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the illegal possession of ammunition.
On the same day (Monday, 2015-12-14) at about 22:00 attending to a complaint of shots being fired around Lansia Walk, Hanover Park, police arrested an 18 year old male and a 15 year old male for the possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. The two suspects were apprehended and a 9mm pistol and ammunition were seized. The serial number of the pistol was filed off. The suspects subsequently made a court appearance on charges relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
On Sunday, 2015-12-20 at about 00:05 whilst patrolling in Athon Walk, Hanover Park police arrested a 49 year old male suspect for being in possession of a Taurus .38 Special revolver and ammunition. The investigation around the ownership is continuing since the serial number was not tempered with. The 49 year old male suspect is soon to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on a charges relating to the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
In total police arrested 55 suspects for the past week on various criminal cases. This include the seven suspects arrested on charges relating to the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 31 suspects were arrested around Hanover Park on various charges relating to the illegal possession of drugs. These drugs include dagga, tik, heroin and mandrax. Seven suspects were also arrested for contravening the Liquor Act when they were found to be trading without a license and exceeding the limit to be in possession of liquor for household consumption.
Six suspects were arrested on warrants of arrest on various crimes whilst six suspects were arrested on charges of theft.
Two male suspects are also due to make their court appearance since they were arrested for the possession of stolen property in Lansburg Road, Hanover Park. Police were busy patrolling and saw the suspects stripping a blue Uno sedan. Inquiry on the vehicle revealed that it was reported as stolen in Strandfontein earlier this month.
Vehicle check points (VCP’s) were held in Hanover Park Avenue to make road users aware of road safety as well as to search their vehicles for any illegal substances or objects. During the same day police interacted with the community of Hanover Park by means of distributing pamphlets pertaining information on substance abuse, gangs and domestic violence.
Philippi police Station Commander Colonel Dennis Abels thanked the members for a job well done. Police is working around the clock to apprehend criminals and bring them to book. Philippi Police will maintain a zero tolerance approach against criminals.
Anyone with information on crime in the Phillipi area can call the police at 021 690 1500 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.