Shots fired during operation mongoose

By Mandisi Tyulu
30 November 2008


In a two day operation was conducted on Thursday and Friday in several suburbs of the Cape Peninsula.

The operation, in conjunction with SARS, South Africa Revenue services, Metro Police, Provincial Traffic Police and other Law enforcement agencies, started at 07:00 until 17:00.

Members of the different forces were airlifted by SAPS helicopters and drop off at various routes in the Peninsula which includes Bishop Lavis, Langa, Belhar, Delft, Ravensmead, Bonteheuwel, Elsies River, Nyanga, Philippi, Philippi East, Manenberg, Athlone, Gugulethu and Lansdowne.

Inspector Bernadine Steyn says the aim of the operation was to address Priority crimes, Armed Robbery, Hi-jacking, Theft of Motor vehicle, Illegal and stolen firearms, Drug related crimes and Road Safety. Roadblocks , Vehicle Control Points were carried out at various identified routes, and Helicopter drops were carried out at specific identified points.

“During the operation five people were arrested,two for Possession of Dagga, one for Driving under the influence, one for Assault and one for a outstanding Warrant of arrest for a drug related crime and 623 Traffic fines were issued to the value of about R443 450-00.’ Two vehicles were seized that were possibly stolen. Five thousand eight hundred and thirty nine (5839) people were searched and two thousand three hundred and sixty eight (2368) vehicles were searched.

During one of the roadblocks at Lansdowne Road, NY 1, Gugulethu a group of residents gathered nearby. The group became riotes and damaged the tyres of two stationed Traffic Police vehicles (a total of four tyres were damaged). During the incidents several vehicles, identified as taxis, drove passed nearby and fired several shots at the Law enforcement agencies on the scene, said Steyn.

The group of residents threw stones during which a Traffic Police vehicle was damaged (the windscreen and light were damaged). Several windows of three nearby stationed busses were thrown out. A bus driver and three passengers sustained injuries during the incident. No Law enforcement officer sustained any visible injuries.

Two men, aged 37 and 41, were arrested for Public Violence on the scene. We have opened a case of Public Violence and Attempted Murder relating to the incident for investigation,said Steyn.