At least 1 200 people were arrested and 200 illegal firearms were recovered during weekend police operations in Gauteng.

“Out of those arrested, more than 140 were arrested for gender-based violence and 70 for driving under the influence of alcohol,” police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

A total of 130 undocumented persons were also arrested.

“Other suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes that include murder, armed robbery, car hijacking and house robbery,” he said.

During one of the other operations, led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, more than 167 people were arrested.

They were arrested on charges which included possession of unlicensed firearms, driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs and being in the country illegally.

At least 400 people were arrested in the Tshwane district. 237 of those who were arrested in Tshwane were arrested as detectives traced wanted suspects on Saturday evening.

“Police in Tshwane also recovered seven vehicles that were stolen and hijacked around Gauteng,” he said.

“In the Ekurhuleni district, 582 suspects were arrested,” Masondo said.

They were arrested on charges which included possession of dagga, dealing in drugs, theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of a suspected hijacked vehicle.

In the West Rand district, more than 121 people were arrested.

“Arrests were made for crimes ranging from murder, common robbery, assault with the intent to cause grievous body harm, housebreaking and theft,” he said.

In Johannesburg, more than 76 people were arrested.

They were arrested on charges which included possession of a stolen vehicle, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs, dealing in liquor without a license, robbery and driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Some of the suspects were released after paying an admission of guilt fee while others will appear in court soon,” Masondo said.