Confed Cup: Army helps fight crime

2009-06-11 12:47

Johannesburg - The SA National Defence Force is assisting the police in crime prevention operations in Johannesburg to create "safe-zones" for the Confederations Cup, Gauteng police said on Thursday.

Captain Bhekizizwe Mavundla said the army had been assisting Hillbrow police with crime prevention duties since Tuesday.

The soldiers would "boost the already existing strengths of the police" to create "safe-zones" for those attending the soccer matches at Ellis Park during the Confederations Cup, said Mavundla.

A crime prevention operation was conducted on Wednesday and Thursday and involved the army and crime prevention police officers from various police stations in the Hillbrow policing cluster.

Some 85 people were arrested during the 24-hour period for crimes including contravening the firearms act, fraud, damage of property, theft, intimidation and assault.

All those arrested will appear before the Johannesburg and Hillbrow Magistrate's Courts.

- SAPA