963 suspects arrested in Limpopo over Easter weekend

POLOKWANE – Limpopo police have arrested a total of 963 suspects for various crimes during the Easter weekend, commencing Thursday last week.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Limpopo, Lt Gen Fannie Masemola commended and thanked all members who worked long and brutal hours over the weekend to make sure that travellers on the provinces’ roads, visitors to the province as well as the people of Limpopo remained safe and secure.

“However, looking at the number of arrests made where liquor played a role, it is clear that community leaders will have to become more involved in educating their communities as well as working with the p0olice to prevent these crimes from happening” he said.

Arrests included 122 people for assault with the intend to cause grievous bodily harm, 101 people for drinking in public, 104 people for driving under the influence of liquor and six people for illegal dealing in liquor. A total of 549 fines were also issued to people who contravened the Liquor Act.

Further arrests included 13 suspects for murder, 20 for rape, 21 for armed robbery, 47 for shoplifting, 26 for theft and 21 for housebreaking.

Masemola warned members of the community that activities for Operation Paseka will continue for the rest of the month. “Members of the police will be conducting road blocks and stop and search operations on a regular basis.”

He urged members of the community to work with the police to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book so that communities can be safe.