Pretoria - The partnership between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Primedia Group, via the collaboration between Crime Stop and Crime Line - is continuing to yield successes in the fight against crime.
As a result of tip-offs by community members to the Crime Stop number (08600 10111) and the Crime Line SMS line (32211), about 44 individuals were arrested in connection with 32 positive tipoffs between 1 April and 30 June 2015.
During this period, illicit or stolen goods to the value of R632 000 were also seized by the members of the SAPS who followed up on the community’s tip-offs and effected arrests.
According to a joint statement issued by the SAPS and Primedia Group, the 44 individuals arrested over this particular three month reporting period, were held for various crimes, including possession and dealings with drugs, theft of motor vehicles, rape, murder, fraud and fake identity documents, among others.
“Six stolen motor vehicles were recovered, with an approximate value of R484 000 and will be returned to the lawful owners once identified.”
Four individuals were arrested in Ivory Park, Gauteng, in connection with a murder case and one suspect was taken into custody with regards to a rape case reported in Harrismith, KwaZulu-Natal.
Another case saw the extradition of a pastor, Bruce Scott, to the United Kingdom.
The anonymous whistle-blower informed the call centre operator that Scott was wanted in the UK for absconding before sentencing on fraud-related charges.
Scott was apparently convicted in the UK on 10 counts of fraud and deception after conning almost 250 000 pounds from his congregation in Hazlemere.
According to the police, the tipster provided information on Scott’s whereabouts and he was arrested by members of South Africa’s Interpol office, detained in Randburg and thereafter handed over to British authorities and extradited.
He has been sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment.
National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, has praised those who provided information on crime and criminal activities.
“We all have a role to play in ridding our communities, schools and work environments of those who think that they are above the law,” said General Phiyega.
She called on the communities to continue sending their tipoffs on crime, child abuse, corruption or like activities. - SAnews.gov.za
