End-of-January crime blitz nets 117 suspects
More than 100 suspects were arrested during intensified police operations conducted across Gauteng during the last week of January.
Police, comprising members of the Flying Squad, K9 Units and Highway Patrol across Gauteng, arrested 117 suspects, recovered 50 motor vehicles and seized seven firearms between January 23 and 29.
According to provincial police spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, members participated in various concentrated operations, including vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols throughout the province.
He said these operations resulted in 49 arrests for serious crimes, including assault (common and GBH), possession of suspected stolen property, robbery, pointing of a firearm, kidnapping, extortion, murder, possession of gold-bearing material, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal mining, malicious damage to property, theft, housebreaking, fraud, armed robbery and contraventions relating to illegal immigration.
He added that a total of 50 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles were recovered, leading to 10 arrests for possession of these vehicles. Seven firearms were also recovered, accompanied by three arrests.
In further policing efforts, 55 arrests were made for the possession and dealing of drugs.
“Confiscated substances included heroin, dagga, cocaine, mandrax and crystal methamphetamine. Investigations into these cases are ongoing,” Giblin added.
The suspects are expected to appear in various local courts across Gauteng.
