Mitchells Plain raids supported

By Henry Booysen
17 March 2008

Western Cape MEC for Safety and Security Leonard Ramatlakane has supported the drug raids that took place at the Mitchells Plain town centre last week.

At the centre 13 people were arrested for suspicion of being illegal immigrants while another nine were arrested for being in possession of drugs.

MEC for Safety and Security in the Western Cape Leonard Ramatlakane said that the operation was not from an instruction but rather the police who have gathered and received intelligence about illegal activities taking place at the Mitchells Plain town centre.

“The business people stated it publicly that the situation cannot continue any longer with the illegal trading in stolen goods drug dealers using unregulated traders to sell drugs from their stalls,” says Ramatlakane.

During the raids police seized tik, cocaine, mandrax and dagga as well as a large consignment of stolen goods. Many outlets within the centre have been closed down due to the suspicion of trading stolen goods.

The MEC has praised the communities and businesses for working with the police to make the operation a success.
After the operation took place, reports of police brutality had surfaced and the MEC said that his department regrets the alleged accusations and does not encourage such actions.