A major crime prevention operation in the Wierdabrug and Olievenhoutbosch policing precincts in Centurion led to 411 arrests as police and other law enforcement agencies intensified efforts to target high-crime areas in the Tshwane District.

The operation was carried out on Thursday, under the leadership of Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine, bringing together the SAPS, TMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police, Department of Home Affairs and CPFs.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the joint operation was designed to tackle different forms of crime and non-compliance at the same time.

Most arrests came from tracing operations conducted by municipal detectives from Wednesday evening into the early hours of Thursday.

Van Dyk stated that police tracked down and arrested a total of 295 wanted suspects in connection with serious and violent crimes. These included two suspects wanted for murder, five for attempted murder, five for armed robbery and 10 for rape.

Authorities also focused on immigration compliance, businesses and liquor outlets operating in the area.

“Home Affairs officials detained 100 people believed to be in the country illegally before handing them over for further processing,” said Van Dyk.

Liquor outlets were also inspected, and seven of the 16 establishments visited were shut down. Police confiscated 266l of liquor during the operation.

Van Dyk said law enforcement increased visibility through patrols and roadblocks at known crime hotspots.

Officers searched 820 people and 430 vehicles, and verified 20 vehicles to determine whether they had been reported stolen.

Traffic enforcement also formed part of the operation, resulting in 127 AARTO infringement notices with a combined value of R124 400.

“One person was arrested after police allegedly found a bag containing crystal meth in his possession, and another suspect was arrested after being found with suspected gold-bearing material,” Van Dyk said.

The Department of Employment and Labour also inspected businesses during the operation, closing one and issuing 13 notices for alleged contraventions of labour legislation.

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