Over 20 arrested in Polokwane operation
More than 20 people were arrested and four firearms seized during a high-intensity police operation across Polokwane.
POLOKWANE – More than 20 people have been arrested for various offences during a high-intensity Operation Retshepeng conducted across the Polokwane policing area on Thursday.
The operation was led by provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers, together with deputy provincial commissioners Major Generals FM Sebola and LJ Mashilo.
Police conducted stop-and-search operations, vehicle searches, foot and blue-light patrols, premises searches and compliance inspections at liquor outlets.
The arrests
| Offence | Number |
|---|---|
| Illegal immigration | 20 |
| Illegal firearm possession (including revolver, 9mm pistols and ammunition) | 6 |
| Possession of a 9mm pistol and seven rounds of ammunition | 1 |
| Selling liquor illegally | 1 |
| Possession of a dangerous weapon | 1 |
Some of those arrested on firearm-related charges also face charges relating to suspected stolen property and possession of housebreaking implements.
Items seized
Police seized:
- 4 firearms
- 23 rounds of ammunition
- 43 bottles of alcohol
- 25 empty crates
- 300 empty bottles
- 2.56kg of dagga
- An Okapi knife
One shebeen was also closed following enforcement action.
Who was involved
The operation was conducted with LEDET, the Department of Home Affairs and Ithuba Private Security, among other stakeholders.
Operations will continue
Scheepers said the operation demonstrated that police would continue targeting criminal activity through coordinated enforcement and community partnerships.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts.
