Police arrest at least 300 during weekend

At least 300 people were arrested during police held in the Tshwane district at the weekend.

“Tshwane police in partnership with other law-enforcement such as Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane metro police, Tshwane emergency services, Prasa, correctional services and Tracker, over the weekend continued to enforce the law by arresting more than 350 suspects,” police spokesperson Captain Augustinah Selepe said.

A total of eight illegal shebeens were also closed down.

During the Save a Life operation in the Pretoria Central and Pretoria West areas, nine undocumented persons were arrested along with six others for possession and dealing in drugs.

Selepe said three businesses were also fined R2 500 each for contravention of Section 38 (22)(b) of the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002, the legislation related to the employment of undocumented persons.

“The undocumented persons were detained for deportation,” she said.

In Villieria, in the Moot of Pretoria, two people were arrested by police following a chase.

“A suspicious blue Kia was stopped along Stormvoël Road. The suspects jumped out of the car and fled. Police gave chase and managed to arrest the two suspects,” Selepe said.

An unlicensed firearm and ammunition were recovered during a search of the vehicle while the vehicle itself was impounded for further investigation.

In Hammanskraal, in the north of Pretoria, five illegal shebeens were closed down.

“In addition, multiple roadblocks were conducted across Tshwane and over 2 240 persons and 1 300 vehicles were searched,” she said.

Selepe said more than 120 Aarto fines were issued, 36 business areas and seven taxi ranks were also visited during their operations.

Additional charges faced by those who were arrested included possession of drugs, common robbery, undocumented persons, malicious damage to property, illegal possession of a firearm, driving under the influence of alcohol, contravention of the Disaster Management Act, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, contravention of the Road Traffic Act, possession of suspected stolen goods, murder, reckless driving, attempted business robbery, contravention of protection order, common assault, theft, common robbery, dealing in liquor without a licence, shoplifting, carjacking and attempted murder.

Meanwhile, provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said at least 1 900 people were arrested during operations conducted in the Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, West Rand and Sedibeng districts.

More suspects were also said to have been arrested in other operations, led by Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela in the Johannesburg district.

“The operation started with the tracing of wanted suspects on Friday during which detectives arrested 578 suspects who have been on the run after committing serious and violent crimes including murder, rape, armed robbery, sexual assault and car hijacking,” Masondo said.

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In another phase of the operation, police also conducted roadblocks to curb the transportation of illegal goods and substances and to search for stolen and/or hijacked vehicles.

“During this roadblock, police recovered drugs, a suspected stolen vehicle and arrested more than 50 people for driving under the influence of alcohol,” Masondo said.

He further said police also raided liquor outlets that were operating illegally and hijacked houses that were suspected to be harbouring criminals.

“Two popular liquor outlets situated in Norwood were closed down and owners arrested after it was discovered that they do not have proper documentation allowing them to operate such businesses,” Masondo said.

Meanwhile, Mawela said he was pleased with the collation of law enforcement agencies and government departments which joined the weekly O Kae Molao operations, adding that they were ensuring Gauteng residents were safe.

“Pulling together, we can bring crime to its minimal,” he said.

Those who were arrested were expected to appear in court soon.

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