Press Release To: All News Editors

From: The City of Johannesburg

NUDE ANTS SENDS SHIVERS ONE WEEK ON

Operation Nude Ants- the Johannesburg Metro Police Departments' crime blitz campaign ended its first week yesterday registering significant gains, the City of Johannesburg said today.

150 illegal trader's goods were impounded in the vicinity of Mary Fitzgerald Square, Jeppe Street, some parts of Hillbrow and Berea. A further 177 were served with notices whilst 181 illegal immigrants were arrested in those areas. The police also said 139 people were arrested for outstanding warrants and this yielded cash collection of R97 679 in unpaid fines.

Council said although the operation was still at its low key level with only the first phase currently ongoing, first week's statistics indicate that the operation is making a noticeable dent on the crime scene in the city.

If the operation was to be maintained at this low-key level, 1800 illegal trader will have their goods impounding in August next year when the operation ends. Notices served will be 21124, 2172 illegal immigrants would arrested, 1668 driver outstanding warrants will be put behind bars and the city would collected R 1 172 148.

Warning that Nude Ants would be gaining momentum, Council said figures released today do not represent even a third of the operational capability of Nude Ants and that the campaign will from the beginning of the coming week step up the pace. All those who know that they are on the wrong side of law for whatever reason in the city should simply come clean, as none will be spared.

ENDS.

For more information contact:

Mbangwa Xaba
Media Liaison
Tel: 407 7226
Fax: 403 3494
082 467 9230
Or visit our website www.joburg.org.za