In a span of four days, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested 15 suspects, recovered two motor vehicles, two trailers and one firearm.
The unit, formerly known as the North Rand Flying Squad, actively patrols highways and areas which include Edenvale.
The arrests occurred between March 27 and March 30.
BFS spokesperson W/O Grant Giblin explained that with the lockdown in place, persons behaving suspiciously, roaming around and participating in criminal activities are easier to spot.
He said suspects were arrested on charges of:
• Drinking in public.
• Possession of drugs (crystal methamphetamine and heroin).
• Possession of stolen copper.
• Possession of a dangerous weapon (knife).
• Trespassing.
The arrests took place in Alexandra, Benoni and Brakpan.
In Etwatwa, members responding to a complaint arrested one person for attempted murder.
“Officers confiscated a pistol with nine live rounds of ammunition,” said Giblin.
A separate incident in Barcelona squatter camp led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with a business robbery.
In Vosloorus a suspect was found in possession of rocks of cocaine.
He was arrested immediately and the drugs confiscated.
The two recovered vehicles were found abandoned.
The first, a grey Hyundai i10, was taken during a residential robbery which occurred in the Mooinooi area.
The second vehicle, a white MAN truck, was found with two trailers in Bredell after the truck was hijacked near the N12 Bapsfontein off-ramp.
Giblin said the investigation continues in all cases.
“The suspects, aged 21 to 36-years-old, will face their charges at the respective magistrate’s courts,” he highlighted.
Some of the charges the 15 suspects face include possession of drugs, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of stolen goods, possession of dangerous weapon and trespassing.
