Tip-offs lead to 71 arrests
2008-04-17 17:13
Johannesburg - The Crime Line tip-off initiative run by the police and Primedia has led to 71 arrests over the past six weeks, the organisations said on Thursday.
"Over the past six weeks, as a direct result of anonymous tip-offs to Crime Line, 30 criminal cases have been registered in six provinces" said Primedia and the SA police service.
"Seventy one individuals have been arrested on a variety of charges and R97 1765 worth of goods have been seized by members of the SAPS."
The arrests took place in Gauteng, the Western Cape, North West, KwaZulu Natal and the Free State.
A stolen motor vehicle was recovered in Polokwane in Limpopo.
Director from the Office of the National Police Commissioner Sally de Beer said more serious and organised crimes were being reported to Crime Line than in the past.
Previously most cases reported were related to possessing and dealing in drugs - now only half of the 30 criminal cases registered were about drugs.
Sexual abuse
An anonymous SMS led to the arrest of two people involved in the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition.
An R-4 rifle, cash and mandrax tablets were also seized.
The two accused, Lefika Lebotse and Mpho Irvin Blom, were out on bail and would stand trial soon.
In March, information was given to the police about a man committing domestic violence at a bar in Esikhawini in the Free State.
The man would go to court later this month on a charge of assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.
The Crime Line initiative also led to the arrest of a Gauteng man for the alleged long-term sexual abuse of his daughters.
"Unfortunately, the girls have refused to give evidence against him, but a charge of sexual assault relating to a neighbour's child is still under investigation and could lead to charges being brought against the alleged perpetrator."
Huge syndicate
Two tip-offs also led to the arrest of two people wanted for drunken driving.
One of the men who would now stand trial, has been evading the courts since November 2000.
De Beer said the Organised Crime Unit was about to unmask a huge syndicate which police were first tipped-off about by an SMS sent to Crime Line.
"Once the syndicate has been unmasked and all ring-leaders and runners arrested, we are confident that we will be able to reveal one of the most significant Crime Line successes to date."
The tip-off initiative has now led to 441 arrests and R19.8m worth of goods being recovered or seized by SAPS.
Crime Line head, Yusuf Abramjee, said the initiative would soon be announcing a formal agreement with the SABC that would enable it to extend its reach.
Any crime tip-offs can be sent at a cost of R1 per SMS to 32211 or to www.crimeline.co.za.
- SAPA