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The murder of a 46-year-old was reported to Sophiatown Police Station earlier this month, with officers raiding the boy's home on Thursday.
Picture: Saps
A 16-year-old Westbury boy has been arrested by Gauteng police’s anti-gang unit (AGU).
Police carried out a raid at the boy’s home in the early hours of Thursday morning.
A murder case had been reported at Sophiatown Police Station, with the docket handed to the AGU.
AGU success
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed to The Citizen that a 46-year-old victim was murdered on 5 May.
Investigations led the AGU to a location in Westbury, where the offices carried out their raid.
“The operation targeted Gerald Flats on Du Plessis Street, where the minor was believed to be residing,” police stated on Friday.
“Upon arrival, AGU members gained entry to the premises and conducted a thorough search, leading to the positive identification of the minor in question,” police added.
Following his arrest, the teenager was taken to a child and youth care centre and is due in court in the coming days.
AGU Commander Brigadier Maphoto has stressed the need to fight gang violence in the province, regardless of the age of alleged gang members.
“The arrest of this minor suspect underscores our determination to eliminate violent crime in our communities,” stated the Brigadier.
“We remain vigilant and will continue to work proactively to ensure that all individuals who commit serious offences are held accountable,” he concluded.
Fourth quarter crime stats
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced the crime stats for the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year on Friday.
Police recorded 240 gang-related murders between January and March, as well as 308 attempted murders.
Gauteng and the Eastern Cape registered 22 and 10 murders, respectively, with the Western Cape accounting for 208.
Reported murder cases nationally saw a large decrease of 12%, down to 5 727 from 6 536.
Rape was still at alarming levels, showing a 0.3% increase to 10 688 reported cases in three months, a rate of 118 per day.
NOW READ: Crime stats: SA records decrease in murders but increase in rapes
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