At least 300 arrested by police during various operations
A total of 20 shebeens were also closed down when police conducted inspections at liquor premises during the operations to ensure compliance.
At least 300 people were arrested by the police in the Tshwane district during various operations held between Thursday and Sunday.
The operations involved the SAPS and several other law-enforcement agencies, according to police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.
Two persons were arrested as the police traced wanted suspects.
Selepe said the suspects were arrested in connection with online buying scams in the Loate, north of Pretoria, area.
The alleged scammers would attack, ambush and hijack interested or potential buyers upon their arrival at the agreed location.
“In some unfortunate instances, the person was killed,” she said.
“We urge the public to refrain from contacting online sellers without validation of the advertisement.”
Selepe said 11 people were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol while 52 others were warned for drinking in public.
“Forty people were detained for drug-related crimes and 25 warned for contravening the disaster management act,” she said.
A total of 30 undocumented people were also detained and would be processed “in due course”.
A further 11 suspects were arrested in connection with gender-based violence offences.
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Selepe said five of the suspects were arrested in connection with rape while the others faced charges of assault and domestic violence.
The other suspects committed crimes such as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm; selling alcohol without valid documents; contravention of the disaster management act; common assault; malicious damage to property; violation of protection order; possession of dagga; possession of drugs; public violence; driving under the influence of alcohol; armed robbery and pointing of a firearm.
In total, 20 shebeens were also closed down when police conducted inspections at liquor premises to ensure compliance.
“Some of these liquor premises were charged for non-compliance of the liquor act and non-compliance to the disaster management act for operating beyond curfew hours,” Selepe said, adding that large quantities of liquor were also confiscated.
She further said that at least 720 vehicles and more than 1 600 people were searched at multiple vehicle checkpoints.
“Eighty fines to the value of R51 000 were issued for various traffic offences,” Selepe said.
Two vehicles, which police suspected were stolen or hijacked, were also impounded for the verification of their engine numbers.
Meanwhile, acting Tshwane district police commissioner Brigadier Abbey Mbangwa-Nkhwashu said the efforts of the police officers did not go unnoticed and urged them to continue with their good work.
“Further reduction of crime operations will continue and the enforcement of regulations in the district will be intensified,” she said.
Mbangwa-Nkwashu further said that it was important for members of the public to respect and honour women and children throughout the year in recognition of gender-based violence.
All those arrested were expected to appear in court soon while others were either released on warnings or issued with fines.
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