Sunnyside police stages operation following public unrest
The operation follows a video trending on social media last week where foreign nationals fought with police members who were performing their duty.
More than 20 suspects were recently arrested during a Sunnyside police crime prevention operation following the public unrest which unfolded last week.
The operation on April 17 took place in collaboration with the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police, and crime prevention wardens under the leadership of station commander, Brigadier Matshidiso Kgoadi.
Operation Paseka forms part of proactive policing measures aimed at reducing serious crimes such as house robberies and vehicle hijackings, while improving road safety during high-traffic periods, including the Easter holidays.
Successes included:
– Failure to appoint a manager at a liquor outlet: Two suspects were arrested, and each issued with an admission of guilt fine estimated at R1 500.
– Selling liquor without a permit: One suspect was arrested and issued with a fine of R500.
– Possession of drugs: Two suspects were arrested.
– Illegal immigrants: 17 individuals were arrested.
Police also made arrests for possession of stolen property, though the exact number is yet to be confirmed.
“The operation was launched in direct response to an incident of public violence that occurred on Wednesday, 16 April in Gerhard Moerdyk Street, involving Ethiopian nationals. The unrest followed the arrest of an undocumented foreign national. Subsequent to the arrest, a group of individuals attempted to obstruct the police vehicle and pelted members with stones. The Public Order Policing Unit responded to the scene, dispersed the crowd using rubber bullets, and arrested three suspects for charges relating to public violence and assault on a police officer and two traffic wardens,” said police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Asnath Malatsi.
Other statistics from the operation indicate that 400 people were searched during stop-and-searches, and 150 vehicles were searched during roadblocks, while a total of 13 050ml of alcohol was confiscated during compliance inspection at eight liquor outlets.
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