EMPD spokesperson Chief Supt Wilfred Kgasago said Metro Police officers from the Equestrian Unit and Bromberg Precinct stopped and searched 77 persons in the blitz operation.
A total of 32 persons were arrested for being undocumented and another one for possession and dealing in dagga.
The 40-year-old man was found in possession of 1kg of dagga, worth approximately R6 000.
The arrest was made as a result of a tip-off.
In addition, gas bottles, sifting buckets, grinders and jumper cables – equipment usually used by illegal miners – were also confiscated by the Metro Police.
Owners of an illegal panel beating shop and taverns were slapped with fines and instructed to shut down.
All the suspects were booked in at the Crystal Park Police Station and were expected to appear in the Benoni Magistrates Court today (October 2).
In a separate incident, Metro Police received information from Daveyton residents of two men driving a vehicle belonging to the Benoni Taxi Association, who were apparently threatening drivers of private vehicles who picked up their colleagues en route to work.
“Upon investigation, the officers located the said vehicle with two male occupants in Gumbi Street, Daveyton.
”One of them was arrested when he was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol loaded with eight live rounds,” said Kgasago.
The 42-year-old suspect was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, at the Daveyton Police Station.
He was expected to appear in the Daveyton Magistrates Court on October 1.
You can report intimidation by taxi associations to 011 458 0911.
