An alleged serial killer was among the nearly 300 people arrested in police operations throughout Pretoria at the weekend.
Police hoped to link the man to the violent deaths of a number of women in the north.
“A 45-year-old man was arrested in Temba after he was linked to the murder of three women found dumped in the bushes near the Tshwane river in Temba in 2018,” police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.
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The man’s victims were apparently found with their hands tied behind them.
“He was also linked to several cases of murder in Limpopo,” she said.
Selepe said more than 290 more people were arrested in the intelligence-driven disruptive operation.
“The suspects, aged between 22 and 51, were arrested for various crimes such as public drinking, possession of drugs, dealing in drugs, drunken driving, rape, theft, public violence, business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and stolen property along with assault to cause grievous bodily harm,” she said.
Four persons – aged between 22 and 33 – wanted in connection with a business robbery at the Kit Kat wholesaler in Winterveld were also arrested.
She said an additional 10 people were arrested in three separate incidents in Centurion.
“They were arrested for dealing in drugs such as CAT, crystal and marijuana,” Selepe said.
“We searched 1 035 vehicles and 2 367 fines were issued at various road blocks.
“Counterfeit clothing, illicit cigarettes and other products were also confiscated while fines were issued for illegal selling and dealing duty free liquor,” Selepe said.
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More than 15 illegal liquor outlets were closed down in Atteridgeville, Welbekend, Olivenhoutbosch, Mabopane and Akasia.
District commissioner Major-General Thomas Mthombeni vowed the police would continue to shut down illegal traders in the precinct.
Mthombeni said closing down the illegal liquor shops would reduce the scourge of violent crimes such as rape, serious assault, theft and other criminal activities.
“The SAPS Tshwane district continue to work around the clock to ensure crime is defeated throughout its corners,” he said.
Those arrested were expected to appear in court soon.
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