Illegal guns exchanged for dagga

The exchange of dagga for illegal firearms has become a crime of such major proportions in the Mapoteng area of the Berea district that a series of crime prevention and awareness campaign have had to be launched beginning January 19.

Sergeant Lebuajoang Ramokhele said the Mapoteng police have had to initiate these campaigns in an effort to bring stability to the area. At least 20 different criminal cases have been reported in the first 15 days of the year, including five of murder, one of attempted murder, two of sexual assault and eleven of stock theft. Some 51 sheep, 18 cattle, two donkeys and a goat were stolen.

The campaigns were found necessary despite police raids, horse and vehicle patrols and an information box at the police station. They were also important in that they helped facilitate interaction between the police and the community as the two were able to share ideas and methods of approaching crime in the different villages.

16 January 2004