Johannesburg – Police in Gauteng arrested more than 1 900 suspects and recovered 24 illegal guns at the weekend.
Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the suspects were arrested during anti-crime operations that included Operation O Kae Molao, tracing of wanted suspects, and routine police stop-and-searches.
“The perpetrators were found to have committed serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, robbery, car hijacking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, fraud, and theft,” Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said late Sunday.
“Tip-offs as well as diligent and intelligent police observation during routine patrols led to the discovery of most firearms.
“Police believe these are the firearms that are used for the commission of serious and violent crimes in the province.”
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, led Operation O Kae Molao in Rietgat, Tshwane where more than 25 suspects were arrested for drinking and driving at a roadblock and two stolen cars were recovered.
Police in Tshwane also arrested three suspects for illegally dealing with diamonds and emeralds in Wonderboompoort.
The suspects were found in possession of diamonds with an estimated value of R3.7 million.
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At least 623 suspects were arrested in Tshwane at the weekend.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said the police in Johannesburg arrested more than 490 suspects for crimes that included murder, attempted murder, possession of the stolen vehicle, business robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“Over 540 suspects were nabbed in Ekurhuleni District by the integrated law enforcement agencies made up of South African Police Service, Metro police departments, and Gauteng Traffic Police,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“These suspects were arrested during the roadblocks, raiding of illegal liquor outlets, tracing of wanted suspects as well as stop and search.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said joint intelligence-driven operations were effective and yielded positive results in West Rand District, where more than 240 suspects were arrested.
The suspects were arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, driving while under the influence of alcohol, car hijacking, rape, and attempted murder.
Seventy suspects were arrested in Sedibeng District for crimes that include possession of unlicensed firearms, driving while under the influence of alcohol, possession of drugs, and undocumented foreign nationals.
“Police management in the Province thanks all the law enforcement agencies and appreciates the involvement of the community in the fight against crime,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“Most of the suspects were arrested through tip-offs, information received from the members of the public, and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.”
The arrested suspects will appear in various magistrate’s courts within the province in due course.
