• Rapid Response Services (RRS)
SAPS units, including the Flying Squad, K9 Units and the Highway Patrol across Gauteng, were out in full force from March 22 to 28 to do intensified patrols in the lead-up to the Easter weekend.
The concentrated efforts led to the arrest of 88 suspects, 33 of whom were on charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, dealing in endangered species, malicious damage to property, possession of counterfeit goods, murder, sexual assault, house burglary and theft.
Further policing led to the recovery of 31 hijacked and stolen vehicles, with four arrests made on charges of being in possession of the recovered property.
Officers recovered nine unlicensed firearms, accompanied by 15 arrests.
Police also clamped down on the spread of drugs, with 36 people arrested on charges of possession with the intent to sell. They confiscated heroin, dagga, cocaine, Mandrax and meth.
• SAPS Gauteng Water Policing and Diving Services (WPDS)
Units were deployed to the Bronkhorstspruit and Roodeplaat dams and the Vaal Dam and River to ensure holiday-makers could enjoy the province’s water bodies without incident.
The operations from March 29 to 31 included vehicle and vessel patrols, vessel inspections, resort visits, and removing illegal items and fishing nets.
On March 29, the members responded to a call in Ratanda where children had been swimming in the Blesbokspruit River.
A 15-year-old drowned, and divers recovered his body at a depth of 3m.
On March 30, officers went to the Klip River, Vereeniging, after an angler saw a body part floating in the water. They recovered a human leg with the foot and shoe still intact.
They launched an extensive search for the rest of the body but found nothing.
Investigations into the matter continue.
Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, the Benoni Flying Squad spokesperson, supplied the information.
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