North police operations nets 242 suspects
The roadblocks resulted in the issuing of traffic infringement fines to motorists to the value of R94 400.
A total of 242 suspects were arrested in police operations held in Akasia and Ga-Rankuwa on Friday evening.
“We decided to come to Ga-Rankuwa and Akasia simultaneously here in Tshwane,” said Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.
“Ga-Rankuwa is especially a problematic area with a rise in robberies and recent smash-and-grabs as well as ‘spiking’ on the road.
“Domestic violence was also getting completely out of hand; so we felt that we needed to come here and maintain law and order.”
The operations were held in partnership with the police, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Department of Correctional Services, Department of Community Safety and the Department of Home Affairs.
The operations were held on Friday evening and continued into the early hours of Saturday morning.
All suspects charged in both areas were arrested for committing various criminal offences.
“We are looking into aspects such as compliance to lockdown regulations and the sale of alcohol. The area is growing and we have noted that there is a high level of substance abuse,” said Mawela.
The operations also resulted in the seizure of drugs, liquor, the closing down of unlicensed taverns, the seizure of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
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A vehicle was also seized and the owner charged.
“Criminals around here are too comfortable and we are here to unsettle them,” said Mawela.
Roadblocks were stationed at Molefe Makinta Road in Zone 15, Garankuwa and Doreen Road in Akasia.
Both roadblocks had vehicle checkpoints where law enforcement checked for stolen vehicles and roadworthiness.
Stop-and-searches were also conducted by the police. The roadblocks resulted in the issuing of traffic infringement fines to motorists to the value of R94 400.
“Our mandate is clear: to reclaim this space from the hands of criminals and place it back into the hands of law-abiding citizens,” said Mawela.
Police report that all the suspects charged during the operation would be appearing in various magistrate’s courts soon to face charges for various offences.
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