West Rand crime sweep puts nearly 100 behind bars
A weekend crime crackdown across the West Rand led to 91 arrests, with police targeting hotspots through Operation Shanela and other high-density operations.
Law enforcement made their presence felt over the weekend, with 91 arrests made across the West Rand.
According to Gauteng Traffic Police’s (GTP) spokesperson Sello Maremane, most of the suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, another seven during Operation Basadi – three for possession of drugs and four for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
“Law enforcement also searched 1 336 people and 275 vehicles within Muldersdrift, Mohlakeng, Fochville, Randfontein areas as well as the N12 at the Gauteng/ North West border,” said Maremane.
In the City of Johannesburg, 33 suspects were arrested for charges including possession of drugs, possession of a stolen vehicle, contravention of the immigration act and contravention of a protection order, among others. A total of 924 people and 277 vehicles were searched in the city.
Maremane further explained that the above arrests formed part of weekend-long (August 22–24) high-density operations and Operation Shanela.
He said more than 429 arrests were made across the province.
“Cases such as public drinking, drinking and driving, undocumented persons and possession of drugs continue to plague our communities and pose a serious threat to the safety of residents. We will continue working tirelessly to root out elements of crime in the communities.”
Law enforcement involved in the operations include GTP, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, police and other stakeholders.
“The operations are an effort to intensify the fight against crime and prevent lawlessness in Gauteng.”
