Cops clamp down on Cape gangs

UNIT: LAUNCHED IN HANOVER PARK TODAY

President’s participation an indication of government’s commitment.

In the continued effort to dislodge and weaken the capacity of gangs – with the aim of disrupting the criminal economy linked to gangsterism, drugs, firearm supply lines and other identified commodities – President Cyril Ramaphosa and Police Minister Bheki Cele will travel to Cape Town today to launch an antigang unit in Hanover Park.

Police department spokesperson Reneilwe Serero said in a statement: “The ... unit [which is made up of members from specialised units] has been in operation from October 8, 2018, deployed in Nyanga cluster, Bonteheuwel and Bishop Lavis. The unit will continue to be in full operation in the Peninsula area until communities in the greater Western Cape experience a return to normality.”

Serero said the president’s participation in the Hanover Park launch indicates his commitment and the commitment of the government to ensure that communities are able to live in safety, while criminals are subjected to the full might of the law.

According to the SA Government News website, Cele and national police commissioner General Khehla Sitole will launch the national safer festive season crime-fighting campaign in Port Elizabeth today, with a focus on visible policing and conducting special crime awareness and prevention operations. SA Government News reports: “This year’s campaign, also referred to as ‘Quiet Storm’, is aimed at making South Africa a safe place during the festive season. Police officers across the country will conduct safety operations until January 2019.” South African Police Service spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said: “The campaign will also focus on combating aggravated robberies, crimes against women and children, enhancement of border security, enforcement of bylaws, road safety and activities to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms.” –

Unit will be in full operation in Peninsula area.