Gauteng police together with other law enforcement agencies held various disruptive operations, conducted simultaneously in all the five districts of the province on Friday, which saw the arrest of 480 people for various crimes.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello said the police were out in full force to ensure that the public of Gauteng felt safe during the New Years’ eve celebrations and beyond as they intensified crime prevention duties and visibility across the province.

Sello said various operations were conducted in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand with the one in Johannesburg district led by the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela and Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko.

“The integrated multi-disciplinary operations resulted in over 480 people being arrested for different crimes including possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, drunk driving, dealing in drugs, vehicle theft and undocumented persons, amongst others.”

She said the police and other law enforcement agencies issued traffic fines to the value of more than R250 000, for various offences, while dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition were seized.

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

Sello said the operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow, usually infamous for reckless and lawlessness during the New Years’ eve celebrations.

She said arrested suspects were expected to appear before various magistrate’s courts from Monday, January 3.

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