On Friday, 3 July 2009, the South African Police Service and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department conducted a joint operation around the High Court precinct including Pritchard, Von Brandis and Small streets in central Johannesburg.
For some time there have been complaints of public disorder, and 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.
For more information contact:
Sizwe Matshikiza
Tel: 011 689 3633
Cell: 082 778 9996
E-mail: sizwe.matshikiza@gauteng.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 July 2009
Source: Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautsafety.gpg.gov.za)
