PARKTOWN – Operation O Kae Molao is a multi-disciplinary integrated operation that seeks to deal with any form of criminal activities aimed at restoring safety in the province and public’s confidence in the law enforcement and further stamping the authority of the State. This multi-disciplinary operation is conducted simultaneously throughout Gauteng Province under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela with the assistance of different law enforcement agencies and stakeholders that include, Gauteng Traffic Department, Metro Police Departments, Immigration Services attached to Department of Home Affairs, Department of Community Safety and Liaison, Department of Correctional Service, Community Policing Forum as well as the Eyes and Ears Initiative (E2) under the umbrella of Business Against Crime with the Private Security Industry.
Since its inception in August 2018, the operation has produced positive results in terms of arrests, seizures of drugs, firearms, ammunition and achievement of convictions. The operation is conducted into phases, whereby phase one is the Detective operation in which wanted suspects for various crimes are traced and phase two focus on crime prevention duties and awareness campaigns.
From the first quarter to third quarter of 2021/2022 financial year, the operation resulted in the total of 29 966 people arrested, of which 15 742 were for contact crimes, 1 124 for property related crimes and 850 included wanted suspects for various crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, sexual assaults, hijacking and business robberies.
Gender-based violence which was declared as a second pandemic by the President and it remains a priority in SAPS, hence more resources such as GBV desks, Family Violence, Child Protection Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) and Victim Friendly Rooms are administered and directed to address issues of such. A total of 32 life terms imprisonment sentencings were secured for above mentioned period for cases of rape and 898 years’ of imprisonment for both rape and sexual assault. While 5 372 suspects were arrested for cases of crimes committed against women and children.
Through the dedication and commitment and collaboration between the security and justice cluster, 35 life terms imprisonment and 1 211 years’ of imprisonment were secured for cases of murder and attempted murder and 846 years’ imprisonment for trio crimes, with property related crimes getting 513 years’ of imprisonment.
The operation also deals with compliance inspections of second hand goods dealers and liquor outlets. For the first three quarters of the financial year 2021/2022, 54 persons were arrested for non-compliance and contravention of the Second Hand Goods Dealers Act. The police also seized 115 suspected stolen vehicles and vehicles with tempered engines.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has appreciated the efforts and contribution made by all stakeholders involved in working towards a safe, secure and crime free Gauteng that is conducive for social and economic stability. The public is also encouraged to continue working together with police to fight against crime by reporting and any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 and also give anonymous tip-offs on MySAPS App which can be downloaded to any smart phone.
Source: South African Police Service