Midrand streets were filled with police sirens as authorities conducted Operation Shanela [Sweep] in a bid to tackle crime in the area.
During the operation, led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, police mounted a roadblock in Noordwyk before driving around raiding businesses.
Mawela was joined by Midrand Police station commander Brigadier Molefi David Tsotsotso and ward 110 councillor Angie Mphaho.
Lever and Summit roads saw police conduct stop-and-search in conjunction with members of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and police.
Mawela said 112 undocumented persons, five for dealing with drugs including ketamine, mandrax and dagga.
“Five vehicles were recovered in our roadblocks. Two of them were discontinued because they were not roadworthy and one vehicle was confirmed to have been stolen in Florida, while the other two we found that their engine and VIN numbers were tampered with,” said Mawela.
After the operation, authorities tackled China Town Mall, targeting shops, and checking for counterfeit goods and operating licenses.
In Halfway Gardens, one unlicensed liquor outlet was shut down. The police found that the business was registered as an online grocery store but selling alcohol without a liquor license. Liquor was also confiscated in the process.
A brothel next to the Boulders Taxi Rank was also closed after it was found that the owner was not complying.
“This club was not complying with the liquor act regulations. We will not confiscate any alcohol here, but we will arrest the owner because the act does say that if the owner is not here, there must be a letter to appoint a manager to be in charge,” added Mawela.
He said about 1010 known and wanted suspects were arrested during the operation. Mawela concluded that the operation gave them the desired results.
The operation ended on the corner of Allandale and K101 Old Pretoria roads where they checked illegal dwellers and their documentation.
Related article: Operation Shanela in Midrand a success as 51 illegal immigrants arrested
