Shootout ensues during police operation and 298 suspects captured

A large-scale police operation in the Johannesburg District has resulted in the arrest of 298 suspects for various crimes, as well as the recovery of several illegal firearms, between January 24 and January 26.

One of the notable incidents during the operation was at the Lahlumlenze informal settlement in Orlando, where police members from the Vala Umgodi operation met a hail of bullets while conducting an intelligence-driven exercise.

The police returned fire, and no one was injured. The officers arrested two suspects, both aged 28, for possession of an unlicensed AK47 rifle and 350 AK47 live rounds.

ALSO READ: SAPS nabs 293 suspects in festive season operation

Operations and arrests

The operation had several components, including Operation Shanela in the Alexandra and Dobsonville policing precincts.

During this operation, the team arrested 52 suspects for crimes ranging from possession of drugs to malicious damage to property.

Another component of the operation was searching for firearms, liquor, second-hand and counterfeit goods in the Hillbrow policing precinct.

During this operation, they arrested 27 suspects, including two for contravening the Second-Hand Goods Act.

ALSO READ: Foreigners should not be granted shop permit – Operation Dudula

In addition, two suspects were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms (pistols) and ammunition during high-density operations in the Hillbrow and Eldorado Park policing areas.

Detectives also conducted operations throughout the district, resulting in the arrest of 219 suspects for various crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

The acting district commissioner, Brigadier Molefi Tsotsotso, commended the stakeholders and members involved in the operations for removing illegal firearms from the streets and ensuring the safety and security of the Johannesburg community.

The arrested suspects will appear in various magistrate courts soon.