High density police operation leads to arrest of 284 in Bronkhorstspruit

A multi-disciplinary operation led to the arrest of 284 suspects for various offences in the Bronkhorstspruit policing precinct.

The operation was led by Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, acting District Commissioner of Tshwane.

The operation focused on key priorities, including the removal of unlicensed firearms, the apprehension of wanted suspects, enforcement of liquor license compliance, and addressing liquor-related offences.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said during the initial phase of the operation, Tshwane detectives apprehended 232 suspects for serious crimes.

“This includes 60 arrests for gender-based violence, 20 arrests for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, four arrests for murder, three arrests for attempted murder, two arrests for armed robbery with two arrests for rape.”

Van Dyk said additionally, 21 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and are awaiting legal processes for deportation.

He said 495 people and 217 vehicles were searched during the operation, leading to 15 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and 15 arrests and fines for public drinking.

“Traffic officials issued 9 AARTO infringement notices, amounting to a total of R8 000 in fines.”

He said furthermore, eight liquor establishments were inspected, with one outlet fined for non-compliance with the Liquor Act.

In a separate operation, Eersterust SAPS conducted routine crime prevention patrols in the early hours of Saturday morning, January 25.

He said the officers noticed two individuals on a motorcycle behaving suspiciously.

“Upon stopping and searching the suspects, the officers discovered a sachet of CAT in their possession, leading to their immediate arrest.”

Van Dyk said further investigations revealed that the motorcycle the suspects were travelling on had been reported hijacked in Silverton in 2021.

“Consequently, the suspects now face additional charges for possession of a stolen motorcycle.”

In another incident, members of the Tshwane District Intervention Unit tasked with addressing robberies associated with advertisements on social media platforms arrested two suspects linked to armed robberies in the Loate and Winterveldt areas.

Van Dyk said while patrolling the area, officers observed three suspicious men travelling in a taxi.

“Upon stopping the vehicle, the three suspects attempted to flee. Two of the suspects were pursued on foot and apprehended.”

He said a search of the suspects revealed an unlicensed firearm with six rounds of ammunition in their possession.

“While officers were in the process of detaining the suspects, a man approached the scene and reported that the suspects had robbed him of his belongings and fired a shot at him as he attempted to escape,” he said.

As a result, additional charges of armed robbery and attempted murder have been added to the suspects’ original charges.

Pietersen commended all members involved for their unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community.

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