Gauteng festive season crackdown leads to 763 wanted suspect arrests
Safer Festive Season operations across Gauteng from October 23 to 25 led to 763 arrests for serious crimes, including 158 suspects wanted for offences against women and children.
Police in Gauteng intensified Safer Festive Season operations across all five districts in the province from October 23 to 25.
The operations included roadblocks, patrols, stop-and-searches, compliance inspections and efforts to trace wanted suspects.
Police said the operations yielded positive results and aimed to ensure residents remained safe and secure during the festive season.
During the operations, detectives across the province arrested 763 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes, including 158 suspects wanted for crimes against women and children.
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Other successes included the arrest of 13 suspects for dealing in drugs and 15 for drug possession. A further 83 undocumented foreign nationals were apprehended.
Police also closed 23 liquor outlets for contravening the Gauteng Liquor Act.
In addition, 92 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 16 people were arrested for drinking in public.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni commended everyone who participated in the operations for their continued collaboration and commitment to combating crime.
He reiterated that police would maintain pressure on criminals through sustained, intelligence-driven operations and visible policing throughout the festive season.
