Operation Okae Molao, conducted by Ekurhuleni district detectives and the police, led to the arrest of at least 320 suspects for different crimes on April 7 around Ekurhuleni.
The operation started from 7pm to 3am under the leadership of Maj-Gen Anna Mateisi, while the detectives were led by Col Sefoloshe.
The acting Ekurhuleni district corporate communications officer, Capt Mega Ndobe, said detectives were tracing wanted suspects.
“Suspects can run but they cannot hide,” he said.
He said the suspects were arrested for crimes including assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and domestic violence, pointing of a firearm, robbery and armed robbery, common and motor vehicle theft, illegal mining, murder and attempted murder, kidnapping, malicious damage to property, car hijacking, rape, arson, fraud, tampering with infrastructure, damaging infrastructure, the use of a motor vehicle without the owner’s concern and gender-based violence.
Mateisi was highly impressed with the operation and she applauded police and detectives for the great work.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the various magistrate courts around Ekurhuleni.
In a separate operation in Kempton Park on April 8, joint law enforcement agencies such as EMPD, Gauteng Traffic police, Home affairs, Prasa, CPF and other police departments arrested 23 suspects.
According to Ndobe, crime intelligence-driven information assisted police to arrest suspects for possession and dealing in drugs and dagga, and closing of three illegal second-hand goods dealers around Kempton Park.
“Police members were motivated by seeing Mateisi leading from the front,” he added.
Over 70 traffic fines valued at more than R30 000 were issued by traffic officers.
Arrests during the operation in Kempton Park
• Three suspects were arrested for being in possession of stolen copper cables.
• One suspect was arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act.
• Thirteen suspects were arrested for the suspicion of illegal immigration.
• One suspect was arrested for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Mateisi applauded police for tracking down the criminals.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court soon.
