Police arrest more than 400 suspects in Tshwane

The South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 440 suspects during an extensive crime prevention operation across the Mamelodi, Sunnyside, Atteridgeville, Temba, Hammanskraal and Ga-Rankuwa policing precincts in the Tshwane District.

“The multidisciplinary operation was conducted on Saturday as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend wanted suspects, address serious and violent crime, curb illegal immigration, disrupt drug-related activities, ensure compliance at liquor outlets and strengthen visible policing in identified crime hotspots,” the police said in a statement.

The operation also targeted other criminal activities contributing to lawlessness in these areas.

Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, led the operation, which involved members of various SAPS units and partner law enforcement agencies.

Participants included the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

“Tshwane District detectives once again took the lead by conducting targeted tracing operations from Friday evening, focusing on locating and apprehending suspects wanted in connection with various criminal offences. 

“These efforts resulted in the arrest of 242 wanted suspects. Among those arrested were two suspects wanted for murder, four for kidnapping, four for armed robbery, two for rape and 70 for gender-based violence-related offences,” the police said.

As part of efforts to address immigration-related offences, 47 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and handed over to immigration officials for further processing.

Law enforcement teams also inspected liquor outlets in the identified policing precincts to check compliance with the Liquor Act.

A total of 57 establishments were inspected. Of these, 25 were closed and 24 were fined for contravening the Liquor Act. During the inspections, 1 467 280 ml of liquor was confiscated.

“Visible policing operations were conducted simultaneously through roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and patrols in identified crime hotspots. 

“These interventions resulted in the arrest of 16 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 985 people and 394 vehicles were searched, and 14 vehicles were tested to verify whether they had been stolen. 

“Furthermore, 63 people were arrested for drinking in public, while one person was arrested for illegal gambling,” the police said.

Eleven suspects were also arrested for possession of and dealing in drugs. During the arrests, police seized 75 ziplock bags containing various drugs, seven quarter-tablets of Mandrax and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Thine commended all SAPS members and participating law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment to the success of the operation.

He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and sustained high-visibility policing in addressing crime and ensuring the safety of communities across the Tshwane District. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.