Almost 300 people arrested in north crime operation
During the operation, the police recovered 63 cellphones and a firearm, believed to be used in hijackings and robberies in the Rietgat area.
Police arrested 298 suspects for different crimes during Operation Shanela in Rietgat, north of Pretoria on April 4.
Three uniformed groups, comprising two tactical teams and one roadblock group zoomed their patrols into the crime hotspots, while also focusing on road safety, raiding buildings and other illicit liquor outlets.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the suspects were arrested for a spate of crimes, including possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of drugs, selling liquor without a licence and drunk driving.
The operation was executed with the help of other relevant law enforcement agencies, including Gauteng traffic police, crime prevention wardens, Tshwane metro police, and the Home Affairs and Labour departments.
He said two firearms were recovered during the operation.
“One person was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
This suspect has been linked to several street robberies in the Rietgat area.
“Another person was apprehended for possession of suspected stolen property when a vehicle was found in his possession,” said Van Dyk.
Van Dyk said one individual was arrested for possession of dagga while another person was arrested for dealing in narcotics.
“A total of 63 cellphones and a firearm were also recovered, which were taken and used in hijackings and robberies in several areas.
“The investigation is continuing to trace the suspects,” he said.
Van Dyk said six undocumented foreigners were arrested.
The undocumented immigrants were detained and will undergo deportation once the legal processes have been finalised with two persons for employing them.
“Among the arrested were 104 people involved in gender-based violence, five for murder, three for armed robbery and five for rape,” said Van Dyk.
The tactical teams inspected 21 liquor premises and found five non-compliant with the Liquor Act.
“Liquor was confiscated and will be destroyed upon finalisation of the criminal cases,” said Van Dyk.
According to Van Dyk, the labour department examined 13 businesses and issued 10 contravention and improvement notices.
He said 335 vehicles were inspected, which 90 were checked for stolen status.
“A total of 126 Aarto infringement notices were issued, totalling R73 800,” he concluded.
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