Polokwane – At least 870 suspects were arrested for various crimes in Limpopo during Operation Kukula, which began on 25 until Sunday 31 March 2024.
SA Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba on Tuesday gave details of the arrests that included:
- 10 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms,
- seven for illegal possession of ammunition,
- five for Contravention of Firearms Control Act,
- 14 for possession of dangerous weapons,
- five for dealing in drugs,
- three for possession of illegal cigarettes,
- 24 for illegal dealing in liquor,
- one for possession of counterfeit goods,
- one for breaching the Second Hand Goods Act and
- 24 for possession of drugs.
Colonel Ledwaba said other arrests made included:
- 18 for robbery with aggravating circumstances,
- six for business robbery,
- three for robbery at a residence,
- four for murder,
- two for attempted murder,
- seven for rape,
- two for attempted rape,
- 68 for assault GBH,
- 26 for assault common and
- 553 illegal immigrants.
In addition, other arrests included:
- 13 suspects were nabbed for burglary at business premises,
- 16 for burglary at residential properties,
- seven for theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle,
- 20 for malicious damage to property,
- 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs,
- one wanted suspect and
- 243 for other crimes.
Colonel Ledwaba said the SAPS managed to confiscate a variety of items including:
- liquor,
- 131 ammunition,
- R3 300 in cash,
- two cellphones,
- 400 counterfeit goods,
- 16 dangerous weapons,
- 27,5kg of dagga,
- 22 sachets of Crystal Meth drugs,
- 154 packets of Nyaope drugs,
- 11 firearms,
- seven motor vehicles and
- 4 231 packets of illicit tobacco products
The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the multidisciplinary forces for the “remarkable successes” that were achieved during Operation Kukula.
Lieutenant General Hadeber urged police officers to continue serving the members of the community with pride and dignity.
“Some of the arrested suspects have already started to appear before various Magistrate’s courts across the Province,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
