Western Cape police say they are intensifying the fight against gangsterism and drugs. According to police spokesperson Thembinkhosi Kinana, the positive relationship between the Mitchell’s Plain Cluster and community structures such as the street committees and neighbourhood watches continues to yield successes as the police intensify the focus on gangsterism and drugs.

In the past week, police confiscated three firearms and various amounts of ammunition.

“The Mitchells plain Cluster success for this week led to 115 suspects arrested, 54 houses were searched for drugs and confiscated 14g of heroine, 165g of tik, 48 mandrax tablets , 74g of dagga and 7 stolen vehicles recovered,” added Kinana.

On Thursday about 11pm, Police were doing patrols when they noticed a suspicious man walking in Botha Street, Eastridge. The members stopped and searched the 32 year old male and confiscated from his possession a 9mm petro berretta firearm with magazine. The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of illegal firearm. The suspect was expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate Court on Monday.

On Saturday at 9pm, the Lentegeur Police attended a scene were a 24 year old victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital. The members followed up information regarding the incident and it led to an arrest of a 30 year old male in Poppy Street , Lentegeur. A .38 Rossi revolver was confiscated in the suspects possession. The suspect would also appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate Court on Monday on charges of attempted murder.

Western Cape police management has expressed it delight at the successes, and warned would be criminals to refrain from committing crime.

Chairperson of the Mitchell’s Plain community policing forum (CPF), Abie Isaacs said that the success of the curb of gangsterism and drugs can only be attributed to the relationship with authorities and the community.

Isaacs said the CPF applauded the various role players for their assistance and making inroads on the fight against gangsterism and drugs.

“It is our firm belief that the NDP in particular chapter 12 building safer communities would be the way to go. We will continue in terms of giving information to the relevant agencies for the apprehension of suspects,” said Isaacs.

He said the good results emanated from a solid relationship between them and the various structures working alongside them. VOC (Imogen Vollenhoven)