Fifteen arrested across Ekurhuleni in major police crime crackdown
Drugs, firearms, counterfeit goods and stolen vehicles were recovered in multiple incidents, with investigations ongoing.
Benoni Flying Squad members arrested 15 people and recovered drugs, two guns, a tanker and a vehicle during operations between December 31 and January 18.
On December 31, members patrolling the N12 saw a woman load suspicious parcels from a taxi on the Snake Road off-ramp. On investigation, officers found counterfeit clothing and shoes valued at about R20 000, thus arresting her.
Early on January 12, members travelling on Sixth Avenue in Northmead noticed suspicious behaviour when two people were closing a premises.
Further investigation uncovered 230 cartons of illicit cigarettes, valued at R60 000.
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The two men were arrested and allegedly attempted to bribe officers with R3 000. They were detained at Benoni SAPS, and the cigarettes and cash were booked into evidence.
On January 13, members responded to an attempted robbery complaint at a store on Voortrekker Street, Benoni, near the Lakeside Mall.
After receiving a lookout for a black BMW and a registration number, officers tracked it to Tom Jones Road, parked near a filling station with two people inside. Two licensed firearms were recovered during the arrest and will be subjected to forensic testing.
In separate incidents, 10 people were arrested in Emaphupheni and Barcelona in Etwatwa, on Wonder Street in Brakpan, in Kaalfontein, Ivory Park and on Pearl Street in Actonville.
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During these arrests, police recovered crystal meth, nyaope, CAT and Mandrax. One person was additionally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
In further policing, a tanker reported stolen in a Nigel case was recovered on Heidelberg Road in Tsakane. A Kia Picanto reported hijacked in a Bramley case was recovered at the Umnonjaneni Section in Tembisa.
Investigations continue in all cases.
The suspects have appeared, while those recently arrested will appear in the respective local magistrates’ courts facing charges including possession of drugs, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of illicit goods, bribery and attempted robbery.
