Tshwane east police arrested more than 70 alleged criminals in the two days just before Christmas.
The suspects were nabbed for various offences that included drunk driving; theft, assault; shoplifting; traffic violations; trespassing; possession of suspected stolen property; robbery; drug possession; and intimidation.
They were arrested in Mamelodi, Mamelodi East, Eersterust, Kameeldrift and Sinoville.
Police attributed the successful arrests to heavy police presence and road patrols.
In the north of Pretoria, police arrested 89 lawbreakers between 1 and 8 January.
“Thanks to police patrols and good detective work, we managed to keep criminals at bay,” said police spokesperson Captain Rebecca Phatlane.
“Tshwane metro police also added greatly to our success.”
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Of the 89 arrests, 27 people were found in possession of drugs; 24 were caught for drinking in public; 15 for drunk driving; and eight for reckless driving.
Eight people were arrested for maliciously damaging private property; four for contravening the explosives act (this includes the illegal use of fireworks in a residential area); and three for rape.
Kameeldrift police arrested two men suspected of robbery on Monday, preventing a mob-justice situation in the process.
The men – aged 23 and 24 – were cornered by residents at a plot in the Kameeldrift area.
The men allegedly robbed a man of his possessions in the early morning hours, said police spokesperson Sergeant Portia Maleka.
“Apparently their victim and his friend were walking home from a local tavern, when they encountered the two men,” Maleka said.
“The men stopped them and an argument ensued, after which the victim was forced to the ground and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash.”
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Maleka said local residents took action and chased down the two men.
Police however arrested the two suspects, who will appear in the Cullinan magistrate’s court soon.
“We encourage community members to work with police and to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.”
“Police should immediately be informed when a citizen’s arrest is made,” he said.
“Working with the police will ensure offenders are brought to book.”
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