Limpopo SAPS arrests 1 980 suspects in festive operations
Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged the SAPS to keep up with this momentum even beyond the festive season.
Under Operation Safer Festive Season, the Limpopo SAPS arrested 1 980 suspects across the province between December 25 and January 1.
Five suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and the police confiscated 20 firearms and a total of 490 rounds of ammunition. Moreover, 10 stolen vehicles were recovered.
The Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said they worked extra hard during the festive period. “A total of 207 suspects were arrested for assault occasioning grievous bodily harm, 122 for common assault, eight for murder, five for attempted murder, 48 for robberies, 15 for rape and 337 undocumented immigrants.”
Meanwhile, some suspects were arrested for illegal mining activities in various districts during the week under review.
The police also focused on alcohol abuse and indicated that it was the main generator of crime, especially contact crimes, for which 2 952 compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets and 208 at second-hand goods retailers.
Altogether, 33 shebeens were closed down.
Additionally, 592 people were arrested for drinking in public, 24 for driving under the influence of liquor and 52 suspects for illegally trading in liquor.
Fifty-eight suspects were charged for drug-related crimes, and the police seized various drugs, including cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, cat and dagga. A total of 6 077 counterfeit cigarette sticks and some bottles of liquor were also confiscated.
The Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, is elated with the successes and praised all the role players who participated during the operation. She urged these members to keep up with this momentum even beyond the festive season.
Some of the suspects have started to appear in various magistrate’s courts across the province.
