Police in Gauteng on Monday said they had arrested some 2 000 people suspected of various crimes including driving while under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, domestic violence, murder, and being in the country illegally.
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.
During the long weekend, various multi-disciplinary integrated operations were conducted jointly with the metro police, traffic and home affairs departments, Community Policing Forum as well as private security firms.
The operations included tracing of wanted suspects, roadblocks, stop and searches, compliance at liquor outlets and second-hand dealerships.
About 2 000 suspects were arrested as a result of the operations.
Illicit drugs, dangerous weapons, liquor sold unlawfully or consumed in public, firearms, and ammunition were also seized.
In Ekurhuleni District, 935 suspects were arrested for crimes that included carjacking, murder, pointing a firearm, dealing in drugs, failure to comply with the Liquor Act, and business robbery.
A man was also arrested shortly after he allegedly stabbed a neighbour to death.
A hijacked vehicle was also recovered.
The Police in Tshwane District arrested 250 suspects during the tracing of wanted suspects.
Among the arrested are 96 suspects for Gender-Based Violence related crimes and 37 undocumented persons.
Police in the West Rand District arrested 214 persons for crimes that included rape, robbery, unlawful possession of copper cable, selling liquor without a license, possession of a dangerous weapon, and being in the country illegally.
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 arrested 18 suspects for possession of stolen property, illicit drugs, unlicensed firearm, housebreaking, and theft.
Some of the arrested persons accused of public drinking and other breaches of by-laws paid admission of guilt fines and were released.
Others arrested for more serious crimes were expected to appear before various courts from Tuesday.
Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Girly Mbele expressed her gratitude to law enforcement agencies involved and also thanked the community members for their help in the arrests.
“Some of the arrests would 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.
