Police conducting a special Crime Prevention Operation in the run up to the launch of the festive season arrested 16 wanted suspects. They were wanted for various crimes ranging from robbery, assault GBH and malicious damages to property, to theft and drug related cases. They will all be appearing in the Motherwell and New Brighton Magistrates Courts on Monday.

During the operation a stolen motorcycle, 7 knives, a toy gun, 14 mandrax tablets and various small amounts of dagga were confiscated.

Four(4) taverns were also closed by SAPS and their electricity cut by the Nelson Mandela Metro Electricity Department officials after they were found to have tampered with electricity supplies. Fines with a total of R85 000 were issued to them.

During the operation Motherwell Cluster Operational Command Centre (OCC) members also arrested two suspects emanating from an attempted murder that took place in Walmer townhip earlier the evening where a male was shot and wounded. The white Quantum minibus used by the suspect was found in Tonjeni Street, Zwide at 23:30. Further investigation and follow up led police to arrest two suspects in Kula Street, Zwide. A 24 year old male was arrested at 00:30 for the attempted murder and a 23 year old male was arrested after he was found in possession of an unlicensed fire arm (7,65mm pistol) with 3 rounds of ammunition at 02:45.

Both will appear before Court on Monday.

The Motherwell Deputy Cluster Commander, Brigadier Lungisile Manyana applauded the arrests and successes during the operation and added that “crimes committed with fire arms and the role that alcohol plays in crimes in general will remain SAPS focus areas. We will tighten the grip around criminals and together with our community partnerships we will create a safe and secure environment for all our communities”

Source: South African Police Service