Police in Gauteng arrested more than 1350 suspects over the weekend and closed down illegal liquor outlets that are regarded as contributing to the commission of serious and violent crimes in the province.
Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Major General Tommy Mthombeni together with MEC for Community Safety Ms Faith Mazibuko led multidisciplinary forces of O Kae Molao and Safer Festive Season Operations in Soweto where more than 200 suspects were arrested and illegal liquor outlets were closed down.
The operation started with roadblocks around Soweto where more than 20 people were arrested for drunk and driving. Police also recovered illicit liquor, unlicensed firearm and ammunitions. The team that included South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Department of Home Affairs and Gauteng Liquor Board went on to raid liquor outlets. In Dobsonville, police closed down a popular liquor outlet and arrested the owner after it was found to be operating illegally. The place was found packed with patrons who were not observing social distance and not wearing masks. Another liquor outlet was closed down in White City, Jabavu. During the raid in the early hours of the morning, police found the shebeen with more than 100 people who were also not observing social distancing and wearing masks. This shebeen was operating way after the curfew time. The owner was arrested and liquor confiscated after it was discovered that the outlet had no permit to operate.
The South African Police Service in the West Rand secured a total of 168 arrests during joint and intensified operations and tracing of wanted suspects. The arrested were for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of stolen goods, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of unlicensed firearm, house breaking and theft and assault.
Police in Ekurhuleni District collaborated with other law enforcement agencies as they embarked on weekend operation that resulted to the arrest of 171 suspects.
Amongst the arrested suspects were those arrested for kidnapping, assault with the intent to inflict bodily harm, assault, theft, fraud, rape and intimidation.
Over 544 suspects were for various offences in the Tshwane District over the weekend. These arrests were effected at operations that included stop and searches, patrols and roadblocks. Twenty-two suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, sixteen for selling liquor without licence while others were for numerous serious and violent crimes.
Furthermore in Sedibeng 120 suspects were also arrested for crimes that include house robbery, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen vehicles, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft, contravening of protection order, drunken and driving, domestic violence related cases, malicious damage to property, warrant of arrest, pointing of firearm, theft, contravention of protection order, dealing in liquor with licensed, possession of dagga, and common robbery.
The arrested suspects will appear in different Magistrate Courts within the province in due course.
