Johannesburg – Police in Gauteng arrested thousands of suspects for various crimes during their weekend anti-crime blitz.
South African Police Service Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said more than 1 800 the suspects were arrested for crimes that included rape, murder, assault, housebreaking and armed robbery.
The anti-crime blitz involved high-ranking officers assisting in tracing wanted suspects, conducting roadblocks, raiding illegal liquor outlets and stop and searches.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said 388 suspects were arrested in Johannesburg District where the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, led the integrated Operation O Kae Molao.
“This operation included the roadblock in Roodepoort on Saturday evening, (1 April 2023), where 83 suspects were arrested for being undocumented foreign nationals, 18 for driving while under the influence of alcohol, one for possession of ammunition, and three unlicensed shebeens closed down,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“Other suspects were arrested during the tracing of wanted suspects who committed offences that include rape, murder, assault, housebreaking and theft, armed robbery, fraud, sexual assault, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“Furthermore, 688 people were arrested in Tshwane District, 393 in Ekurhuleni District, 196 in West Rand District, and 171 in Sedibeng District.”
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said these suspects were arrested for murder, business burglary, housebreaking and theft, kidnapping, pointing of firearm, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Other crimes included theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, unlicensed firearm and ammunition, drugs, and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
“Some of the suspects were released after paying admission of guilty fine while others are expected to appear before various Magistrate Courts from Monday, (3 April 2023),” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
