150 suspects were arrested by the Sebenza SAPS during the festive season.
The Sebenza SAPS communications officer, Sergeant Sharon Mahamba-Tsotsotso, said the festive season was a busy period.
“Criminals tend to take advantage of the festive period. We saw a rise in truck hijackings as three trucks were allegedly hijacked but all three were later recovered,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
The charges of those arrested during the festive period ranged from driving under the influence of alcohol, diesel theft, possession of drugs, possession of dagga and assault to assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal immigrants, house robbery, copper theft, possession of stolen goods, hijacking, murder, perjury, fraud, intimidation and reckless and negligent driving.
She said three suspects were arrested for being in possession of one of the trucks reported as stolen in December.
“One of the trucks had an escort behind it and when they realised what was happening, security called the police and the suspects were arrested on the spot.
“One of the truck drivers was arrested and charged for perjury after he allegedly lied to the police about being hijacked. The truck was later recovered in Tembisa.
“The driver of one of the trucks who previously reported that he was hijacked, later confessed to the police that he colluded with the suspects to steal the truck,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
Another truck was recovered in Vosloorus.
Sgt Tsotsotso said there were also business burglaries in Sebenza.
She advised business owners to have 24-hour security at the gate during the festive season.
“Some of the businesses send their security personnel on holiday when they close business in December.
“Unfortunately, criminals don’t go on holiday and businesses cannot only rely on security alarms. Security personnel must always be at the gate,” said Sgt Tsotsotso.
