More than 250 arrested in police operations in Akasia
Police spokesperson Captian Mavela Masondo said the roadblocks resulted in the recovery of three hijacked and stolen motor vehicles.
More than 250 people were arrested during an O Kae Molao operation conducted by police in the Akasia area.
The suspects were arrested during a series of operations led by police minister Bheki Cele, provincial community safety MEC Faith Mazibuko and commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
During the broad operations, stop-and-searches were conducted along the R80 Mabopane highway where a number of crimes had recently been reported.
Police also raided drug dens and several buildings which were believed to be harbouring criminals.
Police spokesperson Captian Mavela Masondo said the roadblocks resulted in the recovery of three hijacked and stolen motor vehicles.
“Suspected stolen property was recovered at a place reported to be harbouring criminals in Akasia,” he said. He added the suspects fled into the bushes as police approached the property.
Masondo said 13 suspects were arrested for drug dealing and possession when police raided the suspected drug dens and during their stop-and-searches.
Ten other suspects were also arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a licence.
Their outlets were closed down.
An unknown number of suspects were also arrested when detectives went out in pursuit of suspects who was on their wanted list.
Speaking to the police officers, from various law-enforcement agencies before the operation started, Cele said “criminals that have committed crime must be found”.
“There is no way that you commit a crime and we don’t find you, but on the other hand, crime must be prevented.”
Cele further urged officers to ensure criminality was squeezed out, not only when the operation was conducted, but throughout so the public could sleep peacefully.
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