According to SAPS spokesman, Capt Jabu Ndubane, the deployment of the aircraft was in reaction to the concerns raised by residents.

She said during the undertaking, dubbed Operation Thunderstorm, the helicopter monitored the situation from above while officials conducted patrols on the ground.

Ndubane said the operation was part of the provincial police’s surveillance, allowing air and ground units to work together, while monitoring any criminal activities in locations identified as problematic.

“The operation was successful. We managed to nab several suspects. These included two people who were arrested for possession of dagga, one for possession of dangerous weapon, one for possession of drugs, one for not complying with operational closing time at a liquor outlet and one for selling liquor to minors,” she said.

The chopper, a B3 AS350 Squirrel, was piloted by Lt Col Tsakane Mboweni. She landed at Coronation Park, and locals went closer to catch a glimpse of it.

Ndubane said such operations will continue to be conducted in the area until stability is restored.