Cops hailed for arrest of repeat offender

METRO police officers have been lauded for their efforts after they arrest ed a suspected drug dealer in Edgemead, who they later discovered they had arrested previously this year.

Mayco Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said that although its officers were doing their part in arresting drug dealers and removing them from the streets, the challenges within the criminal justice system needed to be addressed to avoid the cycle of repeat offenders engaging in criminal activity.

The 31-year-old man was arrested by the K9 unit for possession of drugs with an estimated street value of R50 000.

According to the safety department, officers were on a crime prevention patrol in Edgemead Drive when they stopped a Toyota Corolla with a broken tail light. When they approached the vehicle, they smelt dagga. While searching the vehicle, officers discovered a bag containing 61 units of rock cocaine.

Smith said: “The fact that the suspect was arrested for the second time in just three months shows there are serious challenges in the criminal justice system. Our officers do their part in successfully arresting a suspect on a serious illegal drug offence and hand the suspect over to SAPS. The second part of a successful conviction relies on the criminal justice system to ensure an effective investigation takes place to support a conviction. We hope the challenges in the criminal justice system will be addressed to avoid the cycle of repeat offenders engaging in criminal activity.”

Meanwhile, two men appeared in the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court for stock theft after being found with a Merino sheep valued at R3 000.

In a separate incident, three suspects were arrested in Gugulethu for transporting drugs worth R50 000.

Police spokesperson André Traut said they were expected to make a court appearance in Athlone once they had been charged.