MARITE– A total of 68 suspects had been arrested for different crimes around Marite and surroundings during the recently formed Marite Stabilisation Operation.
The operation was formed by the provincial commissioner Lt Mondli Zuma, following the spate of unrest and torching of schools and foreign owned shops during a service delivery protest in demand of tarred roads in the area.
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“The operation is specifically aimed at stabilising the situation at Marite and surrounding areas as result of the recent violence. From the beginning of April to date 68 suspects had been arrested for different violations which include inter alia burglary, robbery, rape, malicious damage to property and drug related crimes,” says Brig Leonard Hlathi spokesperson for the provincial police.
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He adds that a revolver, two shotguns, ammunition and a silencer were confiscated. The police also recovered four stolen motor vehicles from some of the suspects. The police further seized groceries, a bakery equipment and fridges which were stolen from some of the shops owned by foreigners. “The suspects have since appeared at the different Magistrate’s Courts for different violations,” concludes Hlathi.
