Pretoria – Police have, in an 18-hour operation in Hillbrow, arrested 23 suspects for offences ranging from possessing counterfeit goods, common robbery, fraud and assault.
Police also confiscated R200 000 worth of liquor at illegal shebeens.
This was part of the SAPS’ Operation When Duty Calls, which started on 15 October and will end on 31 January 2014.
Operation When Duty Calls is aimed at maintaining high police visibility throughout Gauteng and clamping down on any criminal elements, including drunk driving, children and women abuse, cash-in-transit heists, ATM bombings and armed robberies that often gain momentum during the festive season.
The operation saw Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa, along with Acting Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Letsija Joel Mothiba, walking the streets of Hillbrow to strengthen the partnership between the police and the community during the festive season.
Mthethwa also addressed more than 1 000 police officials and security role players. “Police will make life difficult for criminals this festive season,” the minister told them.
He added that all police officers will be out in full force and their intentions will be to make the province safer over this period.
Lieutenant General Mothiba applauded the good work displayed by the police.
“The arrests are a sure indication that the operation is having an impact in ensuring that people in this Gauteng enjoy a safe and secure festive season. Police will continue maintaining visibility and make life very difficult for all criminals,” said Mothiba. – SAnews.gov.za
