Pretoria police nab over 400 suspects during weekend operations
On Friday, a suspected armed robber was shot and fatally wounded during a confrontation with Gauteng Traffic Officials along the N1 highway near Stormvoel off-ramp.
Police anti-crime operations saw more than 400 people locked behind bars at the weekend.
The multi-disciplinary operations kicked off on Thursday and continued throughout the weekend.
Police spokesperson Constable Tumisang Moloto said the operations were held in various parts of Pretoria including the problematic highways.
On Friday, a suspected armed robber was shot and fatally wounded during a confrontation with Gauteng traffic officials along the N1 highway near Stormvoël Road off-ramp, he said.
“Allegations suggest that a group of four armed suspects attacked and robbed passengers who were travelling in an Iveco bus which was stuck along the highway,” Moloto said.
“Traffic officials who were on patrol witnessed the incident and immediately responded. A shoot-out ensued and one suspect was killed.”
Moloto said three other suspects fled on foot.
Cellphones and tablets were recovered.
Later that Friday, Tshwane fire department safely rescued a 62-year-old man who had clambered atop an advertising billboard near the Department of Social Development offices on Pretorius Street.
Moloto said the rescued man allegedly attempted to commit suicide.
“Over the weekend, the SAPS detectives tracing teams managed to track and arrest 280 suspects for various offences, including domestic violence, armed robbery, assault, business robberies, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage to property and possession of unlicenced firearms.”
Moloto said 64 undocumented persons were arrested and 13 unlicenced taverns were closed.
Acting Tshwane district commissioner Brigadier Kushie Pietersen commended the efforts displayed by law enforcement officials.
“It is very disturbing and concerning to see motorist being arrested for drunk driving. We will ensure that those arrested will be held accountable,” said Pietersen.
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