The Gauteng Rapid Response Unit recovered over R 330 000 worth of stolen property and drugs and made ten arrests as a result of Crime Line tip-offs. At the same time, organised crime syndicates are starting to feel the pinch – thanks to information from the public. Many of the anonymous tip-offs sent to 32211 make their way to the Gauteng Rapid Response Unit. “The officers who man this unit have shown unwavering commitment to following-up on these tip-offs and in November they were responsible for several highlights of the Crime Line campaign,” said Gauteng Police Commissioner, Perumal Naidoo. “Encouragingly, all ten of the arrests were made in six cases and each of these cases was linked to organised crime,” he said. “We must continue targeting these syndicates.”

In addition, the Crime Line/Pick n Pay “Star of the Stars” award was given to a team from this active unit. Each month, a cop, or team, is honoured for their exceptional efforts in following up on information that comes in through Crime Line. The Star of the Stars winner is awarded a certificate and given a R5 000 voucher for Pick n Pay who sponsor the awards.

In November, Inspector Ismael Mokotedi and Constables Russell Mungur and Vijay Thawnaraina followed up on a tip-off about suspected drug dealing from a house in Brixton. The tip-off included the full address so they were able to investigate immediately. At the premises they discovered drugs and stolen property worth R100 000. Cocaine, Plasma tv’s, cameras and electronic good were confiscated and one arrest was made.

“The investigation is ongoing and we hope to make further arrests, linked to this case,” said Director Sally de Beer. “We commend the officers on their work.”

Captain Lee Wood and his team from Gauteng Task Team, already multiple”Star of the Stars” winners, bagged four excellent cases as a result of tip-offs by fed-up community members to Crime Line:

·        After receiving information contained in a Crime Line sms, Captain Wood proceeded to an address in Vereeniging.  There his team discovered a chopped-up silver Audi and discovered, after checking the chassis number, that the vehicle had been stolen in Vereeniging during September 2009.  The owner of the premises was arrested and charged with being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle worth R100 000.

·        On 4 November 2009 Captain Wood followed-up on Crime Line information relating to suspicions that stolen goods were being harboured at a specific address in Katlehong.  There stolen property, all with a leading department store’s labels still attached, to the value of R50 000 was discovered.  The items included watches, shoes, kitbags and clothing. Two suspects were arrested on the scene and taken into police custody.

·        Crime Line web information was received relating to suspected drug dealing in Rooihuiskraal, Gauteng.  The SAPS visited the address given and found drugs – including cocaine and CAT – and stolen property to the value of R25 000.  Two men were arrested and charged.

·        In Douglasdale, on 24 November 2009, a Crime Line sms led the team to premises in Olivedale, Gauteng where two men were arrested for being in possession of drugs and suspected stolen property including four cell phones, all worth about R8 000.

·        On 5 November 2009 Inspector J L de Klerk, another member of Gauteng’s Rapid Response team, made two arrests in Booysens after receiving Crime Line web information on people allegedly being involved in house robberies.  Inspector De Klerk discovered two stolen motor vehicles on the premises which had allegedly been hijacked and two men were taken into custody.

“These cases are further examples that show Crime Line works and the public can make a difference in the fight against crime,” said Yusuf Abramjee, Head of Crime Line. He urged the public to continue sending their anonymous tips offs to 3 22 11 or via the website, www.crimeline.co.za.

“The criminals are feeling the pinch and we must keep the momentum going. I appeal to the public to continue blowing the whistle on criminals. Let’s get more behind bars this festive season,” Abramjee added.

This bring the total number of arrests following Crime Line tip offs to 856 and the total value of stolen property, counterfeit goods and drugs to R32,5 million.

National Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele, said: “I am encouraged by the strengthening of the partnership between the public, the police and the media. The latest Crime Line breakthroughs are yet another example of how we all can work together.”

“Criminals must know we are coming for them…They can run, but they cannot hide,” he said.