Central police arrest 30 suspects over the weekend
A gun-carrying 66-year-old was among the arrests.
A weekend-long multidisciplinary crime prevention operation led by the Pretoria Central police led to the arrests of 30 suspects and the recovery of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
The 30 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from theft, shoplifting, common assault, fraud, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and possession of drugs to the contravention of the Migration Act.
Police spokesperson Constable Thabang Nkhumise said the station held the operation to address crime and lawlessness over the weekend and intensify police visibility to minimise crime.
He said the station was particularly proud of the recovery of another illegal firearm in Marabastad.
“A leading arrest comes after the crime prevention team recovered another illegal firearm at Oriental Plaza in Marabastad on Sunday morning. Captain Nthuteng Mogotsi, Sergeant Matlakala, and Constable Mohale received a tip-off about a male roaming the streets and carrying a firearm. A search was conducted until they found the suspect.
Upon approaching the suspect (66), they asked to search him and found him in possession of a 9mm loaded with seven live ammunition,” Nkhumise said.
An interview was conducted and the suspect did not have any valid documentation to possess the firearm.
The suspect was taken to the police station and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition.
The station commander Brigadier Hlengane Gibini Mashaba welcomed the successful arrests and applauded the officers for their diligence. He further stated that it is through their determination that the station maintains law and order in the inner city and policing precinct and urged residents to join the fight.
All suspects have since appeared at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
Community members are urged to report any criminal activities.
They can do so anonymously on platforms such as the MySAPS app or call 08600 10111 or 112 on any network provider or the station on 012 353 5001.
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