POLOKWANE – In the build-up to the Easter weekend, police in Limpopo are bracing themselves to deal with the expected increase in crime in the province during this time.
Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi, said hundreds of suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes, ranging from armed robbery to driving under the influence of alcohol, over the past few weeks in an effort to crack down on crime.
He said during these arrests police confiscated sevel illegal firearms and several dangerous weapons including knives, axes and pangas. He also said 10 people were arrester for reckless or negligent driving.
The arrests include:
• 234 people were arrested for crimes including breaking into residences and businesses, stock theft, theft out of motor vehicles and attempted housebreaking.
• 37 suspects were busted for the possession of suspected stolen property.
• 76 people were nabbed for contact crimes which include assaults, murder and attempted murder.
• 45 suspects were arrested for being in the possession of dangerous weapons.
Mulaudzi said the arrests followed the implementation of the Dangerous Weapons Act (Act NO 15 of 2013), which stipulates that it is a criminal offense to possess a dangerous weapon at public gatherings.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto, the Limpopo police will be taking part in the general prevention of crime operations in the province that will include road blocks, stop and searches and general road safety with the department of roads and transport and other stakeholders. “With the Easter weekend being associated with the use of alcohol by the public, a close eye will be kept on drinking establishments to ensure that they adhere to the times stipulated by law. Any business not complying will be hit hard,” she said.
Otto urged the public to work with the police in the province and comply with the law in all its aspects.
