Rapid Response Services, comprising Flying Squad, K9 Units and Highway Patrol members throughout Gauteng, arrested 104 suspects, recovered 38 motor vehicles and three firearms between September 26 and October 2.

Members participated in various concentrated operations, vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols around Gauteng, which led to 42 arrests for serious crimes including assault common and GBH, possession of suspected stolen property, driving under the influence of alcohol, theft, contempt of court, illegal immigration, armed robbery, perjury, fraud, kidnapping, possession of a dangerous weapon, housebreaking, robbery, carjacking, use of a vehicle without owner’s consent, crimen injuria, contravention of the Medical Act, attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving, and house robbery.

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Officers recovered 38 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles, with nine arrests for possession of these vehicles. Three unlicensed firearms were recovered, resulting in three arrests.

In further policing, 50 arrests were made for the possession of and dealing in drugs. Heroin, dagga, crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and mandrax were among those confiscated in separate incidents. Investigations are ongoing in these cases. The suspects will appear in the local Magistrates’ Courts across Gauteng.

Continuing operations from September 29 to October 4, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested six suspects, recovered drugs and one motor vehicle. Members arrested four suspects aged 31 to 38 in separate incidents for possession of drugs at Long and Casuarina Streets, Kempton Park. Mandrax and crystal methamphetamine were recovered.

Members patrolling R555, Etwatwa on Friday at around 05:30 noticed a vehicle parked next to the road with two males offloading something in the bushes. Members made a U-turn to investigate.

One suspect managed to run to the vehicle and escape, while the second suspect was caught. Officers found 18 large bags of dagga with an estimated value of R50 000. The 40-year-old suspect was immediately arrested and the dagga handed in as an exhibit.

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On October 4 at around 11:30, members followed up information on illicit cigarettes that led to a spaza shop in Birchleigh. A 35-year-old foreign national was arrested when members found twelve cartons of illicit cigarettes.

In further policing, members recovered an abandoned hijacked white Kia at Lekaneng Section, Tembisa, reported on a Tembisa South case.

Investigations continue. The suspects will appear in the local Magistrates’ Courts facing charges of possession of and dealing in drugs and possession of illicit cigarettes.