Hundreds arrested in police’s long weekend operations
Two people, aged between 18 and 28, were arrested on charges of house robbery and rape of a 16-year-old girl.
Hundreds of people were arrested in the Tshwane district during police operations held over the Human Rights Day long weekend.
“The police in the Tshwane district arrested 250 suspects during the tracing of wanted suspects,” provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello said.
Among them, she said, were 96 people who were arrested for gender-based violence-related crimes and 37 undocumented people.
Two people, aged between 18 and 28, were arrested on charges of house robbery and rape.
“The pair is alleged to have been involved in the rape of a 16-year-old girl who was found sleeping in her bedroom after the suspects gained access to the house,” said Pretoria police spokesperson Sergeant Tumisang Moloto.
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Thereafter, the duo then took a TV and other valuables before they fled the scene.
In an unrelated incident, a man was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm after police received a tip-off from the community.
The man was found in possession of a 9mm pistol and live rounds of ammunition which were subsequently seized.
Overall, Sello said around 2 000 people were arrested across the province during their operations.
These people were arrested on charges which included murder, possession of a firearm, possession of suspected stolen property, driving under the influence of alcohol, undocumented persons and other domestic violence-related charges.
“The police also seized drugs, dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition,” she said.
Most arrests were made in the Ekurhuleni district with a total of 935 being arrested.
“The suspects were arrested for different crimes including murder, carjacking, pointing of firearm, dealing in drugs, failure to comply with the Liquor Act and business robbery, among others,” Sello said.
She added that a hijacked vehicle was also recovered and another person was arrested shortly after he fatally stabbed his neighbour.
A total of 527 people were also arrested in the Johannesburg district on charges which included hijacking, sexual assault, possession of drugs, rape, armed robbery and contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Social crime prevention awareness campaigns were also conducted. Pamphlets with gender-based violence and femicide information and other safety tips were also shared with community members,” Sello said.
Acting Gauteng police commissioner Major General Girly Mbele said she was grateful to the law enforcement agencies which were involved and the residents of Gauteng for their support and co-operation during their operations.
“Some of the arrests would not have been possible if community members did not come forth with information and reported these criminal activities. Let us continue to work together in the fight against crime,” she said.
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