Major General Anna Sithole, joined by SAPS senior management and other law enforcement agencies, led a multidisciplinary Operation Shanela in Rabie Ridge on May 14.

The operation aimed to reinforce the authority of the state and assist local police in reducing crime in the area.

Joined by station commander Colonel Hlaku, the weekly operation was conducted between Phomolong and Rabie Ridge due to increasing incidents of murder, house robberies and other serious crimes.

Sithole said the area continues to face growing criminal activity that requires strong police intervention.

“I must indicate that while we are here, we are also conducting simultaneous operations in Rabie Ridge and Thembisa South.

Also read: 98 suspects arrested in Gauteng police operations

“Before this operation, we conducted an intelligence-driven operation where we engaged with the community, and residents shared vital information with the police, which proved very helpful,” said Sithole.

She said police had already arrested five suspects linked to drugs, including crystal methamphetamine.

“Our detectives also worked through open dockets involving known suspects, resulting in the arrest of 124 suspects.

“Of those arrested, 76 were for contact crimes, 13 for GBV-related offences and 46 for other serious crimes,” she added.

During the operation in Thembisa South and Rabie Ridge, authorities also arrested 52 illegal immigrants. The Gauteng Traffic Department issued 52 traffic fines to the value of R29 800.

“We had teams on the ground focusing on drugs, illegal liquor outlets, second-hand goods shops and damage to infrastructure.

“So far, we have closed three illegal outlets and confiscated alcohol. We are still monitoring the area and will not disclose the exact stopping time as operations are continuing,” Sithole said.