04 JULY 2009

MEC MOSUNKUTU ON THE RAID IN CENTRAL JOHANNESBURG

On Friday the 03 rd of July 2009 the South African Police Service and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department conducted a joint operation around the High Court  precinct including  Pritchad, Von Brandis and Small streets in central Johannesburg.

For some time there have been complaints of public disorder, criminal activity particularly against businesses in the area. The operation resulted in the arrest of 245 people, comprising South Africans and foreigners. They were charged with littering, public indecency and loitering.

It is important that public order and safety is maintained. Instances involving business robberies, unsavoury public behaviour and indecency cannot be tolerated. An environment in which businesses and public institutions such as the High Court is rendered unfavourable and unsafe for their smooth operation is something we cannot accept.

It must be stressed that the operation did not affect and was not related to the foreign nationals that reside in the Central Methodist Church.

 END

For more information contact:
Sizwe Matshikiza on (011) 689 3633 / 082 778 9996 or e-mail: Sizwe.matshikiza@gauteng.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Community Safety in Gauteng
For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Provincial Government's Website at www.gautengonline.gov.za