GAUTENG. – Police Spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo reports that a total of 781 wanted suspects were arrested by Gauteng Detectives.

The arrests follow an intensive Provincial O Kae Molao tracing Operation held across Gauteng from the period of 18 to 19 August 2021.

“The arrested suspects were wanted for serious and violent crimes that include crimes against women and children. The suspects committed offences ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery and malicious damage to property.”

Masondo states that the tracing of the suspects started at 18h00 and lasted until the early hours of the morning to ensure that those who think they have evaded the arrests are hunted down and brought to book.

“Detectives in Gauteng promise to continue with such tracing operations as long as there are still wanted suspects who are roaming the streets.”

The operation was carried out in conjunction with the Vehicle Crimes Investigation Unit, Tracker, Fidelity Security, Data Dot and Police Reservists who raided the scrapyards and second hand dealerships, looking for hijacked and stolen vehicles.

“The team recovered parts of stolen and hijacked vehicles that include VW Golf 7, Audi, Range Rover, VW Polo and Nissan NP200.”

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the detectives for their excellent execution during the operation.

“These arrests are a clear indication that the operation by the detectives are having an impact in ensuring that the suspects, who are on the run, are traced and brought to book. Police will continue with thorough investigations in all cases that are reported and squeeze the space for the criminals,” Mawela concludes.