Law enforcement keeps Pretoria streets clean of criminals
Three unlicensed firearms were recovered in two separate incidents after following up on information.
In a co-ordinated operation led by Major-General Samuel Thine, the District Commissioner of Tshwane, police arrested 297 suspects for a range of offences and recovered three firearms over the weekend.
The multi-stakeholder law-enforcement operation held on January 11 in Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan policing areas in the east of Tshwane was aimed at tracing wanted suspects, conducting visible patrols with additional police deployment, and enforcing compliance with liquor licensing regulations.
Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said Tshwane detectives arrested 258 suspects for serious offences, which included gender-based violence (85), assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (30), murder (2), attempted murder (2), house robbery (4) and three for rape.
Van Dyk said additionally, nine undocumented persons were detained and are awaiting deportation proceedings with another individual arrested for employing illegal immigrants.
“As part of the operation, law enforcement officers searched 726 individuals and 419 vehicles. Ten vehicles and six firearms were tested to verify whether they had been stolen.”
He said 38 identified premises and hotspots were searched which resulted in 10 people being arrested and fined for drinking and being drunk in public.
“Fifteen liquor establishments were inspected, with two being closed for non-compliance with the Liquor Act. Liquor was confiscated, with one person arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes.”
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Information was received and followed up on a person who was in possession of two unlicensed firearms.
Van Dyk said the house was identified and searched. Two firearms with 67 rounds of ammunition were found.
“The suspect was arrested and detained.”
In another incident, information was received regarding a possible stolen cellphone.
“With preliminary investigation being done, the information was followed up and a person who sold the cellphone was traced. While being searched, a firearm and one live round were found in his possession,” said Van Dyk.
Van Dyk added that the suspect could not give a reasonable explanation for having the firearm and was duly arrested and charged.
“The firearms will be sent for forensic tests to determine whether they were used in other criminal activities.”
Major-General Thine expressed his appreciation to all members involved in the operation.
#sapsGP On 11 January 2025, a multi-stakeholder law enforcement team from the Tshwane District conducted a #SaferFestiveSeason operation in Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan Policing areas resulting in the arrest of 297 suspects for a range of offenses and the recovery of 3 firearms.… pic.twitter.com/TnimcyV4zy
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 12, 2025
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