Ten arrested during weekend central police operation
Different firearms were seized at different crime scenes throughout the operation and various fines were issued.
Ten suspects spent the weekend in jail for various offences as a result of the Pretoria Central SAPS “Vala Konke” operation.
Vala Konke addresses crime in the area by monitoring hotspots and ensuring motorists and pedestrians are compliant with the metro’s laws.
The suspects, aged between 23-56, allegedly committed crime including kidnapping, common robbery, theft and shoplifting among others.
Different firearms were seized at different crime scenes throughout the operation and various fines were issued.
Two men appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court recently to face charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. The appearance comes after a man was shot at during an argument with the aforementioned suspects this past weekend. The argument resulted in the police receiving numerous complaints about shots being fired on the corner of Paul Kruger and Struben streets.
When the police arrived on the scene, they found that the victim sustained injuries to his upper body and was rushed to Steve Biko hospital for further treatment. An investigation is still under way as the cause of the squabble is still undetermined. When the two suspects were taken in, the police recovered the unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as fake number plates in the Mercedes-Benz the suspects had been using.
The police also recovered a necklace and an unlicensed firearm from a man they had previous witnessed run toward and snatch a necklace from a woman neck’s.
The police caught the man and made the discovery during his body search. He faces charges of robbery and possession of an illegal firearm.
Marabastad residents are advised to avoid using E’skia Mphahlele Drive as police have identified it as a crime hotspot. This comes after a pedestrian was kidnapped while walking in the area. He was allegedly beaten up and repeatedly stabbed by a group of men. Central SAPS communications officer, Constable Thabang Nkhumise says that the victim survived the ordeal.
“Fortunately, the victim managed to flee the scene and reported the matter to the police. He further informed the police of a dead body in the field. It was later discovered that the deceased was a retired police officer,” said Nkhumise.
Nkhumise states that the public can expect more police operations as the festive season rolls on and urges residents to report crime and adhere to laws.
Station commander Brigadier Moses Dladla shares the same sentiments.
“As we head for the festive season, new crime patterns begin to emerge. We urge residents to be cautious in their surrounds during these times,” said Dladla.
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