Police seize unlicensed firearms and recover vehicles in operation
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in Jabulani.
The acting district commissioner of SAPS, Brigadier Molefi Tsotsotso, applauded the police in the Joburg District for turning the tide against crime by arresting over 380 suspects for various offences, including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, drugs, hijacked and stolen motor vehicles and illegal immigration.
The arrests were made during crime prevention operations held across the district from March 14 to 16.
According to the Joburg District corporate communication officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane, among the suspects, 40 were arrested during a multidisciplinary operation named Shanela, which involved other law enforcement agencies, including JMPD, Environmental Health, Gauteng traffic wardens, and the Department of Home Affairs.
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This operation took place across Alexandra and Fairlands, targeting crimes such as drug dealing, selling liquor without a licence, and illegal immigration.
The police also arrested 94 suspects during high-density and station commander’s operations conducted throughout the district.
“Two suspects were apprehended for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition during an operation in Jabulani, where two stolen vehicles were recovered: a Honda Ballade, hijacked in Zola, and a stripped Ford Ranger stolen in Honeydew.
“A replica firearm was also seized in Florida during a disruptive operation. During an illegal mining operation held in Florida, the police confiscated stampers, pendukas, spades, steel bolts, and gold-bearing sands.
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“In Roodepoort, the police recovered one stamper pot, a gearbox, a petrol motor, and a 300m electric cable, all of which were found abandoned,” said Tshetlhane.
The detectives also traced suspects across the district, resulting in the arrest of 197 individuals wanted for serious and violent crimes, including gender-based violence. Some of the suspects have already appeared in various magistrate’s courts, while others will appear soon.
