Gauteng police, working together with other law enforcement agencies, on New Year’s Eve arrested more than 1 160 people for various criminal offences, with about 900 of them being wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes.
The arrests were made during operations that were conducted in all the five districts - Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.
“The integrated multidisciplinary operations resulted in over 1 160 people being arrested, including illegal immigrants and for crimes such as possession of unlicensed firearms, drunk driving, dealing in drugs, and possession of suspected stolen property, amongst others.
“The detectives arrested approximately 900 of the suspects during the overnight tracing of wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Thursday.
Inspections were also conducted at liquor outlets to ensure compliance with the Gauteng Liquor Act, as liquor is one of the influences behind contact crimes like murder, rape and assault.
“More boots were on the ground, as the police applied a zero tolerance approach to liquor outlets that do not comply with the law and this resulted in the closure of nine liquor outlets for non-compliance. Several seizures were also made during the operations varying from dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms and ammunition.
“The operation also saw a peaceful and jubilant crossover celebration in Hillbrow, which is infamous for recklessness and lawlessness during New Years' eve celebrations,” SAPS said.
All the arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Court from Friday, 2 January. - SAnews.gov.za
