Scores busted in police operations
“Over 100 shacks were searched during the operations."
Scores of people were arrested in a joint operation by Akasia police and other stakeholders on Friday.
“This mighty joint operation saw a total number of 23 people being arrested for crime ranging from selling liquor without a licence, dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and possession of suspected stolen property,” police spokesperson Constable Lindiwe Mdluli said.
The operation was said to have focused on illegal squatter camps around their policing precinct which were, on numerous occasions, reportedly identified as habitats for unlawful acts.
“Over 100 shacks were searched during the operations,” she said.
The joint operation saw participation from the Tshwane metro police department, correctional services and the CPF.
Members of the various law enforcement agencies were commended for their work, aimed at combatting crime, by district commissioner Major General Hilda Mohajane.
Meanwhile, provincial police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo said an overall total of 350 people were arrested in weekend operations which commenced on Friday in Pretoria.
“Out of these arrests, 120 were arrested for drinking in public and more than 30 motorists were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol,” he said.
Masondo added that others were arrested on charges which included rape, assault, possession of counterfeit money, loitering with the purpose of prostitution, undocumented persons, illegal gambling, theft and fraud
.
During the operations, liquor outlets in Mamelodi and Olievenhoutbosch were raided.
“Five people were arrested for selling liquor without a licence,” Masondo said.
Police minister Bheki Cele also spoke out on the contravention of alert level 1 regulations which were related to the operation of nightclubs.
This was after two nightclubs were closed down and liquor valued at an estimated R815 000 confiscated from the establishments.
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Patrons were also reportedly issued with fines for contravening the disaster management act.
“The total disregard of the law will not be tolerated whether it is happening in townships or in the affluent corners of the country,” Cele said.
“The regulations are clear. No nightclubs should be operational during level 1 of the national lockdown and there is still a curfew in place.”
Cele further said those who chose to go against the regulations which enforced to curb the spread of Covid-19 would face the full might of the law.
A total of 60 suspects were also arrested in other parts of the province for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A whopping 560 others were arrested for crimes which included murder, rape, armed robbery, domestic violence, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, possession of gold bearing material, illegal mining, fraud and bribery and possession of drugs.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended all the law enforcement agencies in the province for their continued collaborative interventions.
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