Over 455 suspects nabbed in multi-day crime crackdown across Joburg
These operations included Operation Shanela, station commander's operations, high-density operations, illicit mining operations and adhock roadblocks.
Over 455 suspects have been arrested for various crimes during the operations that were held throughout the Joburg District from May 9 to 11.
These operations included Operation Shanela, station commander’s operations, high-density operations, illicit mining operations, and ad-hoc roadblocks.
Johannesburg District corporatecommunication officer Mpho Tshetlhane said the police, joined by other law enforcement agencies, apprehended about 85 suspects for various crimes ranging from possession of drugs, possession of stolen motor vehicle, possession of dangerous weapon, illegal immigrants, selling liquor without license, assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm, assault common, fraud and drinking in public.
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“This was during Operation Shanela, which was held around Dobsonville and Meadowlands policing precinct.
While conducting stop and searches, the police also recovered a hijacked VW Polo at Doornkop, which was hijacked at Kagiso and arrested two suspects.
“A VW Golf that was reported stolen at Naledi was also recovered, and three suspects were also arrested while patrolling around Meadowlands policing area.
“About 300 people and 68 vehicles were searched,” said Tshetlhane.
He stated that the aim of the operation was to maximise police visibility, reduce crime by targeting crime hotspots and high-risk areas across the two stations and address all forms of criminality.
Another 115 suspects were also arrested for various crimes during the station commander’s operations conducted by different stations across the district.
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“An additional 31 suspects were arrested during the high-density operations, which were also held by different stations across the district.
“During the operation, which was held around Jabulani policing precinct on May 10, the police arrested three suspects for possession of crystal meth with the street value of R500.”
He said during the illicit mining operation held in Florida, five undocumented persons were arrested.
The police also confiscated tools used for illegal mining activities that include pendukas, gas cylinders, a generator, steel balls, a stamper, and a steel pot.
“During the ad hoc roadblocks held along Grasmere Toll Plaza in Lenasia South and N14 freeway in Diepsloot, about 15 undocumented persons were arrested,” he said.
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He added that the detectives traced and arrested about 206 suspects for different crimes that include contact crime, contact-related crimes, property crime, and other serious crimes.
The arrested suspects will appear at various magistrates’ courts soon.
The Joburg district commissioner, Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka applauded the members and other stakeholders for ensuring the safety and security of the community of Johannesburg.
