Over 500 nabbed in Easter police sweep
In one of the successes, a toy gun as well as six cellphones valued at R9000 were recovered.
More than 500 people were arrested in Pretoria during the Easter period following Tshwane district operations.
The operations were aimed at reducing serious violent crimes such as truck and vehicle hijacking, business robberies, house robberies, theft out of motor vehicles and theft.
Police spokesperson, Captain Augustinah Selepe, said roadblocks were mounted on major routes where stop and searches were conducted.
During this period, police arrested more than 500 suspects for crimes including murder, rape, operating a shop without a licence, drinking in public, dealing in liquor without a licence, possession of dagga, dealing in drugs, contravening of the disaster management act, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal immigration and possession of dangerous weapons.
“As part of law enforcement, collaborative efforts were heightened with increased visibility and more than 6 000 persons and 3 900 vehicles were searched and road traffic fines in excess of R120 000 were issued,” Selepe said.
“These efforts which are intended to counter all forms of criminality also led to the arrest of four armed robbery and carjacking suspects in Soshanguve.
“Members of crime intelligence, national intervention unit and SAPS Rietgat visible policing pounced on these suspects after receiving information from the community.”
It is alleged that these crimes were committed in Phake village, Mpumalanga.
“The four suspects were found in possession of two unlicenced firearms with their serial numbers are filed off, two magazines and eight rounds of live ammunition,” Selepe said.
“During the arrest, a toy gun, as well as six cellphones valued at R9 000, were recovered with groceries valued at R10 000, and a hijacked Toyota Hilux bakkie.”
Acting district commissioner Major-General Yvonne Botsheleng welcomed the arrests and urged motorists to continue to observe the rules of the road and to exercise patience.
“Operations against all persons found to be flouting Covid-19 health and safety protocols are still on. The police are urging members of the community to be mindful of the threats of Covid-19, to travel only when it is necessary and to avoid crowded places,” she said.
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