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22 May 2008

In the early hours of this morning, Thursday, 22 May 2008, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) assisted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) conducted cordon and search operations at three venues in Gauteng.

This joint venture, the first since President Mbeki authorised the mobilisation of the SANDF in support of the police in Gauteng, was aimed at restoring peace and stability in various areas of the province which have been plagued with violence over the past several days.

The cordon-and-search operations were conducted at the Wolhulter and George Goch hostels in Jeppe and the Denver hostel in Cleveland between 01h00 and 07h00. Members of the SANDF from 21 South African Infantry Battalion were tasked with forming outer perimeter security rings while SAPS members entered the premises and carried out search, seizure and arrest duties. SAPS members involved were from units and task teams in Gauteng, the National Intervention Unit, various Crime Combating Units and the Division Protection and Security Services.

The joint operation was extremely successful and resulted in 28 arrests being effected, 150 kilograms of dagga being seized and firearms, ammunition and suspected stolen property being recovered. There were no incidents of violence during the operation.

The SANDF has been deployed to assist the SAPS during specific, planned operations and to assist in terms of the provision of certain resources. These two arms of the security forces have worked together on several occasions in the recent past and enjoy a cooperative working relationship. The SAPS and SANDF will liaise closely and work in coordination until calm is restored to those areas in Gauteng which have been subjected to sporadic outbursts of public violence.

Issued by: South African Police Service
22 May 2008