Police bust 95 suspects, recover 49 vehicles and eight firearms in operations

Gauteng SAPS’ Rapid Response Services recently arrested 95 suspects and recovered 49 vehicles as well as eight firearms.

The arrests and recoveries occurred across Gauteng between October 11 and October 17.

Units involved included the Flying Squad, K9 units and Highway Patrol members.

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According to Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, media liaison officer of the Rapid Response Services, 44 suspects were arrested when officers participated in various concentrated operations including vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols around Gauteng.

The 44 suspects were arrested for crimes such as common assault, assault GBH, armed robbery, common robbery, fraud, theft, possession of stolen property, possession of house-breaking equipment, housebreaking, use of motor vehicle without owner’s consent, malicious damage to property, kidnapping, murder, business burglary, hijacking, hindering in the carrying out of official duties, crimen injuria, contravention of a protection order, illegal immigrant, attempted theft of motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Giblin said 49 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles were recovered while 11 suspects were arrested for the possession of these vehicles.

Eight unlicensed firearms were recovered and six suspects were arrested on charges related to them.

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Continuing their efforts, police arrested a further 34 suspects for the possession of and dealing in drugs.

Drugs which were confiscated included heroin, dagga, cat (cocaine) Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine.

Giblin said the suspects would face their charges at local magistrate’s courts in Gauteng.