A total of 161 people were arrested for various crimes during the New Year’s weekend in the West Rand District.

Sergeant Elsie Tshonte of the West Rand District Police explained in a statement that the police in collaboration with other law-enforcement agencies committed themselves to creating a safe and secure environment for the communities in the District and their property. This was done through different mass operations held across Merafong City, Mogale City and Rand West City from 06:00 on December 31, 2021 to 06:00 on January 2, 2022.

Also read: Police arrest 192 during Christmas long weekend

Suspects were arrested for the following:

• One for murder
• Five for rape
• 12 for common assault relating to domestic violence
• Six for theft
• Five for housebreaking and theft
• Two for being in possession of suspected stolen property
• Four for theft out of a motor vehicle
• 76 for driving under the influence of alcohol
• One for interfering with police duties
• Two for malicious damage to property

• Five for contravening a protection order
• Three for contempt of court
• One for common robbery
• One for fraud
• One for being in possession of drugs
• Four for discharging a firearm in a municipal area
• One for culpable homicide
• One for selling liquor without a license
• One for dealing in drugs

Other crimes committed include being in possession of a dangerous weapon (one arrest), being an undocumented person (15 arrests), contravening the Disaster Management Act, contravening the Mine Health and Safety Act and being in possession of gold-bearing material.

All suspects will be appearing in magistrates’ courts in the district.

Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand District Police Commissioner welcomed the successes and thanked police members as well as other law enforcement agencies for their dedication during the year 2021. In addition, he thanked the members of the community for supporting the police in the fight against crime.

We wish all police members and other law enforcement agencies a blessed, healthy, peaceful, safe and prosperous new year.”

As far as the rest of the province is concerned, the Gauteng Police together with other law enforcement agencies were out in full swing and made their presence felt by securing 480 arrests in total for different crimes including possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, drunk driving, dealing in drugs, being in possession of suspected stolen vehicles and undocumented persons amongst others.

In addition, traffic fines of more than R250 000 were issued for various offences. Seizures were also made varying from dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition.

In Johannesburg Central, an intelligence information led to the discovery of five unlicensed firearms and 43 live ammunition in different incidents. All the firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing for possible linkages to other crimes.

The operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow which is infamous for lawlessness during the New Years’ Eve celebrations.

All the arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Court from Monday, January 3, 2022.