GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — At about 9pm on Monday, May 1, a murder took place in the Khayalitsha area of Umasizakhe, Graaff-Reinet, in front of the Makhakhe shop.
It is alleged that the deceased and the suspect had been involved in a quarrel. A witness on the scene saw the deceased fall down, and it emerged that he had been stabbed twice in the chest. The murder weapon was confiscated and handed in as an exhibit. The suspect was arrested and appeared in court on Wednesday, May 3.
During a week-long operation by the local police, that was held during April various crime combatting actions were conducted in the Umasizakhe, Kroonvale, Santaville, town and Asherville sectors in Graaff-Reinet.
As a result of these joint multi-disciplinary operations, a total of twenty arrests were made for various crimes in the area.
Suspects were arrested for possession of dagga in four cases, possession of Mandrax, possession of stolen property (a laptop was confiscated), and one assault common.
Two suspects were arrested for robbery, two for housebreaking and theft, one for theft, and one for malicious damage to property. A further nine people were arrested for domestic violence and alcohol-related crimes.
Various houses were also searched for stolen goods and drugs. “These operations are being held in response to the increase of crime in Graaff-Reinet, and will continue to ensure that the situation is brought back to normal in order to gain trust and confidence of the community of Graaff-Reinet,” said Colonel Beulah Siyaya, Vispol Commander.
The station is currently experiencing an increase in housebreaking, theft of and out of motor vehicles, stock theft, shoplifting and theft. Col Siyaya would like to encourage the community to work closely with the police by reporting any suspicious criminal activities in the area to the police. “Working together, we can make a difference in our town,” she said.
On Friday, April 28, the police engaged in several operations, tracing drugs and stolen property. The following items were confiscated: 556g of dagga, 37 tik straws, quarter mandrax, a DVD player, clothing, a kettle, LG sub woofer, clippers, and a Pioneer front loader without a face. Three suspects were arrested for possession of drugs and two for possession of stolen property.
Col Siyaya also asks members of the community to give information to the police regarding drug premises and shebeens to enable them to close these premises. Residents are also requested to ensure that they take all possible precautions to safeguard their own homes and property. A register is kept at the police station of vacant properties, and residents are encouraged to complete this register when they go away on holiday so that the police can increase patrols in the area and keep an eye on the property.
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