Private security companies and other law enforcement agencies joined Gauteng police during weekend operations that led to the arrest of more than 1200 suspects over the weekend.
Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led the integrated weekend Operation O Kae Molao when they took to the streets of Olievenhoutbosh, in Tshwane, on Saturday evening. This Operation was a direct response by the forces of O Kae Molao after the community of Olievenhoutbosh complained about crime in the area, during recent Ministerial Imbizo.
The operation which included roadblocks, raiding of illegal liquor outlets, stop and searches resulted in the arrest of more than 300 suspects in Tshwane. Suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from theft of motor vehicle, possession of car breaking implements, truck hijacking, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of drugs, common robbery, undocumented persons, malicious damage to property, driving while under the influence of alcohol, contravention of Disaster Management Act and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The team also seized dagga and cars impounded after they were found with engines that are tempered with.
The police in Ekurhuleni stamped the authority of the state by arresting 430 suspects for crime ranging from rape, murder, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of drugs, assault under domestic violence, malicious damage to property, theft, defeating the ends of justice and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
A total of 235 suspects were arrested in Johannesburg. The arrests were effected for offences ranging from possession of drugs, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, murder, theft, assault, possession of suspected stolen goods, car hijacking and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Joint intelligence-driven operations yielded positive results in West Rand where more than 140 suspects were arrested for crimes that include murder, reckless and negligent driving, robbery, driving while under the influence of alcohol and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Ninety-eight suspects were arrested in Sedibeng. Those arrested were found to have committed crimes that include rape, murder, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of drugs, assault, driving while under the influence of alcohol and malicious damage to property.
Police Management in the province appreciates the involvement of the community and private security companies in the fight against crime and believe that together we can bring crime to its minimal.
The arrested suspects will appear in various Magistrate Courts in due course.
Source: South African Police Service