Police in Gauteng continue to close down illegal liquor outlets regarded as generators of contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault, and rape during the Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela 2 (SFSOS2), conducted over the weekend.

Arrests were also made for dealing in drugs, which are a major contributing factor to violent crimes such as theft, domestic violence, and robbery in communities.

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During the SFSOS2 operations conducted across the province, police closed down 21 liquor outlets and arrested 38 suspects for possession of and dealing in drugs.

Furthermore, 25 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 141 illegal immigrants were taken in for processing.

“We applaud the police and other law enforcement officers for dealing with those who sell drugs to the community, especially the youth,” said Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

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He further expressed appreciation to members of the public who came forward to report illegal liquor outlets and drug dealers.

Arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts on January 12.