600 arrested during festive season police operations

At least 600 people were arrested during the police’s festive season operations held in Tshwane at the weekend.

The operation was led by Tshwane district commissioner Brigadier Samuel Thine and other officials in senior management.

Police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said the operations were conducted in 36 policing precincts, particularly focused on Mamelodi East, Eersterust, Erasmia and Laudium.

“A team of Tshwane detectives pounced on 498 unsuspecting wanted suspects at their residences during tracing of wanted suspects,” she said.

A total of 145 of those who were arrested were said to have committed gender-based violence-related crimes.

“The operations also led to 28 liquor outlets being shut down as part of enforcing compliance with the Liquor Act and fines were issued for liquor-related crimes, including drinking in public places,” Selepe said.

Illegal firearms, ammunition, dangerous weapons, such as okapies, machetes and knives, counterfeit cigarettes, heroine, zip locks of crystal meth, nyaope and a toy gun were also confiscated.

“In addition, 26 people were also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol along with 69 undocumented immigrants, 29 others for possession of drugs, 57 people for being drunk in public spaces, four for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen property, contravention of the Immigration Act, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, contravention of a protection order, malicious damage to property, fraud, shoplifting and theft of motor vehicles.

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“One hundred and twenty auto fines, valued at more than R70 000, were issued and over 2 100 vehicles and 3 300 persons were searched,” she said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier Thine extended his appreciation to all the teams which were involved in the operations, including, the correctional service department, PRSA, Transnet, Tshwane emergency services, Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane metro police department, Gauteng Traffic Police and other internal units of the SAPS.

He also indicated that integrated roadblocks and crime reduction operations were planned to continue throughout the festive season.

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