80 arrested in North West

The arrests formed part of "Operation Platinum Belt" in Rustenburg and surrounding crime hotspots.

 

Police said the operation was aimed at stabilising and ensuring the safety of residents in the areas affected by the five-month long platinum industrial action.

 

Mokgwabone said the operation was launched to tackle the scourge of crime which police felt "was getting out of hand" even after a settlement was reached in the mining sector.

 

"We made plans to carry on with the operation even after the strike agreement as crime was out of hand," he said.

 

Arrests include 51 people for drug-related crimes, 16 for contravention of National Road Traffic Act, eight for possession of stolen property, and five for driving under the influence of liquor.

 

One man was arrested over the weekend when he was found in possession of packets containing R1500 worth of the drug "Cat".

 

He allegedly refused to allow officers to search his vehicle.

 

He was expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates Court soon on a charge of possession of drugs.