SEDIBENG – The Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) is warning the public against committing any acts of lawlessness following high-density operations and Operation Shanela which took place across Gauteng from March 14 to 16.

GTP, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, SAPS, and other law enforcement agencies arrested more than 400 suspects in Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Johannesburg, the West Rand District Municipality, and the Sedibeng District Municipality.

The arrests involved cases that include common assault, possession of drugs, selling liquor without a license, public drinking, possession of substances suspected to be drugs, undocumented persons, house robbery and theft, assault, drinking and driving, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in drugs, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of stolen goods, public indecency and malicious damage to property amongst others.

During the provincial operations, the Sedibeng District Municipality yielded 93 arrests within the Meyerton, Evaton, Vanderbijlpark, and Sebokeng areas.

While 42 of the arrests were for drunk driving, 16 for possession of drugs, 17 for undocumented persons, and 10 for selling liquor without a license. Around 600 vehicles were searched during the operations.

“The GTP commends the law enforcement agencies for their concerted efforts in intensifying the fight against crime in communities. These arrests are because of the collaborative efforts of officials to ensure the safety of the public. Furthermore, officials will not tolerate lawlessness such as public drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol. Perpetrators who are found in possession of or selling illegal substances such as drugs will face the full might of the law,” said the Gauteng Traffic Police spokesperson, Sello Maremane.