Hundreds of people were arrested in the police’s intensified festive season operations under the theme Zizo jika izinto [things will turn around] – turning the tide against crime.
“Operations in Tshwane this past long weekend resulted in the arrest of more than 420 suspects,” police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.
Five illegal firearms and ammunitions were also said to have been recovered during the operations. Selepe said a Norinco P20 was among the unlicensed firearms they recovered in a stop-and-search in Mamelodi East.
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“The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from assault, theft, dealing in drugs, possession of stolen cables, rape, possession of suspected stolen vehicles, dealing in dagga, robbery with other weapons, and malicious damage to property,” she said.
Selepe added Tshwane’s acting district commissioner Major General Mohajane and other senior management members, led operations which saw the raiding of illegal liquor outlets and shebeens and the inspecting of business premises.
“Various roadblocks were conducted, focusing on excessive speeding, overloading, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without putting on a seat belt, and roadworthiness of mini-taxis and buses,” she said.
The operations were further deemed successful after more than 25 people who were driving under the influence of alcohol were arrested.
“Traffic fines were issued for non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act, and a driver was issued with a fine for overloading, with six young children in the vehicle,” she said.
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Mohajane extended her gratitude to motorists for their patience and cooperation during road blocks, while also commending the police officers for their “sterling” work in ensuring the safety of road users, “particularly those who travelled from various entertainment locations in Tshwane in celebration of Reconciliation day”.
“It is quite pleasing to know that the District did not register any major fatal crashes over the long weekend, and this should be attributed to the hard work of our law enforcement officers,” she said.
Mohajane added it was fulfilling to know those who had broken the law were dealt with harshly.
Those arrested were expected to appear in the various magistrate’s courts in Tshwane soon.
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