At least 300 nabbed in Olievenhoutbosch targeted police operation
The operation, led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, served as a direct response by the forces after residents complained about crime in the area during a recent ministerial imbizo.
At least 300 people were arrested during an integrated O Kae Molao operation in the Olievenhoutbosch area at the weekend.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from theft of motor vehicle, possession of car breaking implements, truck hijacking, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, common robbery, undocumented persons, malicious damage to property, drunk driving, contravention of the disaster management act, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Other successes recorded during the operation include the seizure of dagga and the impounding of an undisclosed number of vehicles after their engines were reportedly found to have been tampered with.
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The operation which was led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, served as a direct response by the forces after residents complained about crime in the area during a recent ministerial imbizo.
“The operation included roadblocks, raiding of illegal liquor outlets and stop-and-searches,” Masondo said.
Overall, more than 1 200 people were arrested.
In Ekurhuleni, police arrested 430 people on charges which included murder, rape, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of drugs, assault under domestic violence, malicious damage to property, theft, defeating the ends of justice and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A further 235 people were arrested in the neighbouring Johannesburg district.
“Offences ranged from possession of drugs, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, theft, assault, possession of suspected stolen goods, car hijacking and driving under the influence of alcohol,” Masondo said.
At least 140 more people were also arrested during joint intelligence-driven operations in the West Rand district.
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Those arrested faced charges which included murder, reckless and negligent driving, robbery, driving while under the influence of alcohol and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“98 suspects were also arrested in Sedibeng,” Masondo said, for crimes including rape, murder, possession of suspected stolen property possession of drugs, assault, driving while under the influence of alcohol and malicious damage to property.
Masondo further said the provincial police management appreciated the involvement from the community and private security companies in the fight against crime, adding that they believed that through working together crime could be minimalised.
Those arrested were expected to appear in court soon.
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