GOOD official accuses cops of tavern damage

GOOD Party Northern Cape representative Santa Johnson has accused the police of making a forced entry into her husband’s tavern in Roodepan and breaking open the safe and locks.

Witnesses reported that a person suspected of dealing drugs was arrested at a residence adjacent to the tavern in Dassievoel Street, which was also subjected to a police raid, last week.

“We allowed the police access and they left after making use of the restrooms,” said Johnson.

Johnson stated that the police returned and they broke the lock and damaged the gate in order to gain access to the premises.

“I advised them that it was impossible to hide drugs inside a speaker. The safe was also damaged.”

She indicated that her husband was still waiting for a case number for the alleged damages caused.

“We are not sure if anything was taken out of the safe.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Molefi Shemane said a multi-disciplinary team spearheaded by Operation Vala Umgodi acted on intelligence-driven information regarding alleged drug sales at a house that was identified in Roodepan on May 9.

“Upon arrival at the address, the police spotted a male person throwing a white container into the neighbouring yard, which belonged to a tavern owner,” said Shemane.

“The arrested suspect led the police inside the tavern, where drugs were found hidden behind the speakers. A second suspect who was found inside the tavern was also arrested.”

Shemane denied that the police used any force to enter the tavern.

“The police did not damage any property of the tavern or open the safe inside of the tavern.”

He added that 17 packets of tik, 22 tik straws and cash was recovered and confiscated by the police.

“The estimated street value of the drugs is R3 560. Both suspects, aged 24 and 30, were arrested for possession of drugs.”

Shemane said the case was postponed until June 18 in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court for further police investigation.