POTCHEFSTROOM – With more boots on the ground to heighten visibility, police in the province in conjunction with other security forces have been working hard to ensure that members of the community are and feel safe. This after arrests were effected and recoveries achieved since the beginning of the Festive Season.

A total of 2 867 arrests have been effected since 1 December 2022, to date for various offences. The suspects were arrested for offences such as rape, murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, (GBH), house robbery, drug related crimes and many others. The arrests include 127 suspects for possession of suspected stolen property, 10 for possession of suspected stolen vehicles, 42 for contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, while 165 undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. During the operations, 16 stolen / robbed vehicles were recovered. In addition 481 fines were issued for Liquor Act related contraventions.

The operations also led to the arrest of nine suspects for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition while 17 complete firearms and seven magazines were seized.

As part of enforcement of the National Road Traffic Act, 74 motorists were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs while 235 fines were issued for various road traffic related offences.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the law enforcement for the successes and pointed out that the operations will continue to ensure the well-being and safety of all citizens through enhancement of police visibility. He also reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue with operations to ensure that the citizens are and feel safe during festive season and at the same time, urged the public to work together with law enforcement and to take precautionary measures to ensure their safety.

Source: South African Police Service