GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A total of 23 arrests were made by the Graaff-Reinet police over the last week, including some for very serious crimes.

One suspect was taken into custody for rape, and one for murder. Four were also arrested for assault, of which one was with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

Two arrests were made for robbery with a weapon other than a firearm, and three for common robbery.

As the festive season approaches, so do the number of cases of shoplifting. In the last week, there were no less than six people arrested for this crime, and shopkeepers and staff are warned to be extra vigilant at this time.

Two people were arrested for contravening a protection order, and one each for business burglary, possession of Mandrax, on a warrant of arrest, and for possession of suspected stolen goods.

Less serious offences leading to arrests were being drunk and disorderly and drinking in public, for which there were six arrests for each offence, and one for traffic offences.

Willowmore police also had a successful week, with one man arrested for sexual assault, and two each for possession of suspected stolen goods, residential burglary, and business burglary. For possession of dagga, theft from a motor vehicle, and common assault, there was one arrest for each crime.

A further twenty were arrested for being drunk and disorderly, and one for a traffic offence.

Two convictions were obtained in the Graaff-Reinet court. For attempted theft, the sentence was four months’ imprisonment, and declared unfit to possess a firearm. For possession of Mandrax, a fine of R1 000, or 60 days imprisonment, was given, suspended for one year.

Finally, this week’s confiscations include radios, bank cards, Mandrax, a jigsaw, and stationery.

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