Information provided by Crime Line

Adapted by Victoria Shenxane

Many of the anonymous tip-offs sent to 32211 make their way to the Gauteng Rapid Response Unit. "The members who man this Unit have shown unwavering commitment in following up on these tip-offs and in November 2009 they were responsible for several high-lights of the Crime Line campaign," said Gauteng Prov Comm Perumal Naidoo. "Encouragingly, all ten of the arrests were made in six cases and each of these cases was linked to organised crime," he said. "We must continue targeting these syndicates." In addition, the Crime Line/Pick n Pay "Star of the Stars" award was given to a team from this active Unit. Each month, a cop, or team, is honoured for their exceptional efforts in following up information that is received via Crime Line. The Star of the Stars winner is awarded with a certificate and receives a R5000 voucher from Pick n Pay, who sponsors the awards.

In November 2009 Insp Ismael Mokotedi, Const Russell Mungur and Vijay Thawnaraina followed up a tip-off about suspected drug dealings from a house in Brixton. The tip-off included the full address, so the police were able to investigate immediately. At the premises they discovered drugs and stolen property worth R100 000 - cocaine, plasma TVs, cameras and electronic goods were confiscated - and one arrest was made.

"The investigation is ongoing and we hope to make further arrests, linked to this case," said Dir Sally de Beer. "We commend the officers on their work."

Capt Lee Wood and his team from the Gauteng Task Team, already multiple "Star of the Stars" winners, bagged four excellent cases as a result of tip-offs from fed-up community members to Crime Line.

After receiving information contained in a Crime Line SMS, Capt Wood proceeded to an address in Vereeniging. There his team discovered a disassembled silver Audi and discovered, after checking the chassis number, that the vehicle had been stolen in Vereeniging during September 2009. The owner of he premises was arrested and charged with being in possession of a stolen motor vehicle worth R100 000.

On 4 November 2009 Capt Wood followed up Crime Line information relating to suspicions that stolen goods were being kept at a specific address in Katlehong. He found stolen property, all with a well-known department store’s labels still attached. The items included watches, shoes, kitbags and clothing valued at R50 000. Two suspects were arrested on the scene and taken into police custody.

Information posted on Crime Line’s website related to suspected drug dealing in Rooihuiskraal, Gauteng. The SAPS visited the address provided and found drugs - including cocaine and CAT - and stolen property to the value of R25 000. Two men were arrested and charged.

In Douglasdale, on 24 November 2009, a Crime Line SMS led the team to premises in Olivedale, Gauteng where two men were arrested for being in possession of drugs and suspected stolen property including four cellphones, worth approximately R8000.

On 5 November 2009 Insp J L de Klerk, another member of Gauteng’s Rapid Response Unit, made two arrests in Booysens after receiving information posted on Crime Line’s website of people allegedly being involved in house robberies. Insp De Klerk discovered two stolen motor vehicles on the premises which had allegedly been hijacked and two men were taken into custody.

"These cases are further examples that show Crime Line works and the public can make a difference in the fight against crime," said Yusuf Abramjee, Head: Crime Line. He urged the public to continue sending their anonymous tips offs to 3 22 11 or via the website www.crimeline.co.za

"The criminals are feeling the pinch and we must keep the momentum going. I appeal to the public to continue blowing the whistle on criminals, Abramjee added. This brought the total number of arrests following Crime Line tip offs by mid-December 2009 to 856 and the total value of stolen property, counterfeit goods and drugs to R32.5 million.

National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele, said: "I am encouraged by the strengthening of the partnership between the public, the police and the media. The latest Crime Line breakthroughs are yet another example of how we all can work together. Criminals must know we are coming for them. They can run, but they cannot hide," he said.