Media group Primedia’s national anti-crime campaign has led to 33 arrests since its launch three weeks ago, Primedia spokesperson Yusuf Abramjee said on Saturday.
“In less than a month, we have received a huge amount of tip-offs via the SMS service and website, and through these tip-offs police have made countless successful arrests and seizures for crimes ranging from cable theft, armed robbery and drug dealing to hijacking, fraud and murder,” said Abramjee.
Successes include recovering four stolen vehicles at a complex in Winchester Hills, south of Johannesburg, and arresting two people, as well as the arrest of eight drug dealers and confiscation of their stock, and information on a murder in Dawn Park, outside Johannesburg.
Police spokesperson Director Sally de Beer said the police are excited about and impressed by the breakthroughs made and urged the public to continue passing on information about criminals.
“It’s a form of extra intelligence gathering for us,” said De Beer, confirming the arrests.
Next week, the campaign will focus on illegal firearms. — Sapa
Information containing specific details such as names, addresses and descriptions can be sent by SMS to 32211 (charged at R1) or by logging on to www.crimeline.co.za in the anonymous service