In an effort to enforce to the rules and regulations of the national lockdown, officers from the Katlehong Police’s Crime Prevention Unit, detectives from the Katlehong Police Station, members of the EMPD and members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) took to the streets of Katlehong on Wednesday.
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The joint operations led to the arrest of 36 suspects.
“Approximately 29 were arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act (Covid-19 Act),” said Capt Mega Ndobe, communications officer for the Katlehong police.
“This included people walking in the streets unnecessarily and those in shopping malls who were not adhering to social distancing.
“A number of the suspects arrested were also local tuck shop owners who were operating their businesses without valid permits.”
Other suspects were arrested on charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, theft and possession of suspected stolen property.
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Katlehong SAPS acting station commander Col Phakama Gcaza thanked everyone who contributed to the arrests.
She urged the residents of Katlehong to adhere to the call from the President to stay home.
“We remind the community to remain indoors, not to walk in the streets without a serious reason,” she said.
All of the arrested suspects were held at the Katlehong Police Station pending their appearance in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court.
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