More than 500 people were arrested in operation O kae Molao in Pretoria at the weekend.
The operation kicked off on Thursday, and involved several law enforcement agencies, including the police, vehicle crime intelligence unit, Gauteng and Mpumalanga public order police, Tshwane metro police and national traffic police.
“We took charge of the streets of Pretoria Central, Pretoria Moot and Sunnyside decisively to restore order in the inner city,” said police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe.
She said several abandoned buildings, parks, liquor stores and food outlets were visited during the operation.
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“During the raids, and searches, 58 illegal immigrants were arrested,” she said.
“Other suspects were arrested for being in the possession of stolen property. Four others were arrested for the possession of drugs and one for dealing in drugs.”
She said law enforcement teams led by Brigadier Abbey Nkhwashu and Brigadier Martha Mokobori inspected liquor and food outlets business premises to ensure that business were adhering to the bylaws.
“In one of the food outlets, police found expired non-perishable food and it was also discovered that the owner was operating an illegal butchery inside the food outlet,” she said.
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Selepe said an extended operation was conducted in Mamelodi, where a vehicle spares shop was visited.
“During the raid, Volkswagen Polo doors, a Volkswagen engine, six air-cons, car bumpers and alternators tested positive to previously reported cases of stolen cars in Brooklyn, Garsfontein and Lyttelton,” she said.
“The team proceeded to the owner’s home where two vehicles, a new white Volkswagen Polo and a partly stripped silver grey BMW, were impounded for further investigation.”
Selepe said police in Pretoria embarked on several “high density” crime prevention operations at the weekend.
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“The operation led to the arrest of more than 550 suspects,” she said.
“Suspects were arrested for various offences including rape, murder, possession of drugs, business robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm, assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm and theft out of motor vehicle.”
She said road blocks were also set up different in areas where more than 1 050 vehicles and 2 000 people were searched.
“Aarto fines to the value of more than R25 000 were issued,” she said.
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Selepe said Pretoria police were grateful to the crime combating initiatives and the importance of restoring calm to the citizen of Pretoria following recent unrests.
“Police officers will keep doing unannounced visits and multidisciplinary operations,” she said.
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