Pretoria - Community tip-offs have led to the arrest of 57 individuals across the country, police said on Thursday.
The arrests relate to crimes reported between January and March 2015.
These tip-offs were received by the police’s Crime Stop office on the telephone number 08600 10111 and Primedia’s SMS tip-off number, Crime Line, 32211, which were then followed up by SA Police Service (SAPS) members.
The most tip-offs were received in connection with the possession of and dealing in drugs such as dagga, tik, Mandrax, heroin, CAT, ecstasy and nyaope which were seized.
Other tip-offs received related to cases of murder, abduction, shoplifting, prostitution, fraud, selling liquor without a licence and being in possession of suspected stolen property.
The murder case relates to an incident in Katlehong, Gauteng, where a man was wanted for the murder of his son. After the tip-off was received by the Crime Stop office, police reacted quickly and managed to make an arrest.
The total value of the items seized by police members during the 57 arrests is R190 000.
National Police Commissioner General Riah Phiyega has thanked community members, who decided to play an active role in rooting out crime, criminals and drugs out of their neighbourhoods.
“There is no doubt, however, that more needs to be done. We are working hard with stakeholders to ensure that we open more avenues for tip-offs to reach the police quickly, anonymously if necessary and in a cost-effective manner,” she said.
Primedia, which operates the Crime Line, said the relationship between the public, police and media is integral in the fight against crime.
“We are humbled by the active citizenship shown by communities to work with police in clamping down on crime. Please continue to work with us in achieving our vision of a safer South Africa for all by blowing the whistle on crime,” said Primedia.
The public can continue to submitting tip-offs via phone on 08600 10111, via SMS on 32211 or www.saps.gov.za and www.crimeline.co.za.
However, police need to know “who did what to whom, when, where and why”. - SAnews.gov.za
