In the efforts to fight crime and ensure the communities are and feel safe during this long weekend and beyond, the police in Gauteng together with other law enforcement agencies intensified crime prevention duties and visibility throughout the province.
Various multi-disciplinary intergtated operations were conducted jointly with Metro Police, Traffic Department, Department of Home Affairs, Community Policing Forum and Private Securities. The operations included tracing of wanted suspects, roadblocks, stop and searches, compliance at liquor outlets and second hand dealerships.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Dimakatso Sello said “Approximately 2000 suspects were arrested across the province for various offences such as possession of firearm, possession of suspected stolen property, drinking under the influence, murder, undocumented persons including domestic violence related issues. The police also seized drugs, dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition.”
Sello said in Ekurhuleni District, a total of 935 suspects were arrested for different crimes including carjacking, murder, pointing of firearm, dealing in drugs, failure to comply with the liquor Act and business robbery amongst others.
“ A a hijacked vehicle was also recovered and a suspect was arrested shortly after stabbing his neighbour to death.”
In Tshwane District about 250 suspects were arrested during the tracing of wanted suspects. Amongst the arrested is 96 suspects for Gender Based Violence related crimes and 37 undocumented persons.
“West Rand District police together with other law enforcement agencies also had more boots on the ground as they arrested 214 suspects for crimes including rape, common robbery, possession of copper cable, dealing with liquor without a license, possession of dangerous weapon and undocumented persons.”
Sello said that police in Johannesburg District arrested 527 suspects for hijackings, sexual assault, possession of drugs, rape, armed robbery including contravention of the Immigration Act. “Social Crime Prevention awareness campaigns also formed part where pamphlets containing GBVF information and safety tips were shared with community members.”
“The police in Sedibeng District also continued to ensure that all those who break the law are arrested.”
“Sello added that some of the suspects were issued with fines while the others are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Court within the province soon.
The Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Girly Mbele expressed her gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved and also thanked the community members of Gauteng for their continuos support and cooperation they show during the operations. “Some of the arrests will not have been possible if community members did not come forth with information and also reported those criminal activities. Let us continue working together in the fight against crime,” said Maj Gen Mbele.
