PARKTOWN – Multi-disciplinary crime combating operations in Gauteng have resulted in the arrest of more than 980 people this past weekend. These operations form part of the Safer Festive Season Operations which will continue until the end of January.
Out of those arrested this past weekend, one hundred and eighty four (184) suspects were arrested in Johannesburg for crimes ranging from dealing in drugs, rape, truck hijacking, possession of suspected stolen vehicle, dealing in dagga, driving under the influence of alcohol and assault. More than three hundred and fifty (150) suspects were nabbed by the police in Ekurhuleni for committing crimes such as business burglary, possession of suspected stolen property, robbery, kidnapping and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Joint intelligence-driven operations also yielded positive results in Tshwane where more than one hundred and thirty (130) suspects were arrested for crime ranging from assault, robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of drugs.
Operations were also conducted in Sedibeng and the West Rand where more than three hundred and forty (340) suspects were arrested for armed robbery, murder, assault, business robbery, house breaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of drugs, amongst other crimes.
Preceding these successes, police between Wednesday the 8th and Thursday the 9th January 2020, impounded more than 30 vehicles and arrested over 800 suspects during O Kae Molao operations conducted across all the districts in the Province.
All arrested suspects will appear in various Magistrate Courts in Gauteng in due course.
Police are sending a strong warning to those criminals who think they will take advantage of learners who will flock to the province with the intention of enrolling at institutions of higher learning. Police visibility will still be intensified at hotspots to protect vulnerable and unsuspecting learners.
Source: South African Police Service