21 arrested in Polokwane during provincial crime prevention operation
Sixty suspects were arrested over the weekend during a crime prevention joint operation conducted in the Polokwane, Giyani and Bela Bela Clusters, which resulted in the recovery of among other items, unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
LIMPOPO – Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe says the suspects were arrested on various charges ranging from possession and dealing in dagga, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, public drinking, illegal immigration act, prostitution and unlicensed businesses.
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In Polokwane, a Task Team Unit was assembled in the city’s Central Business District (CBD) and surrounding suburbs, including industrial areas. During the operation, 14 suspects were arrested for public drinking, two for prostitution and five for possession and dealing in dagga.
“A total of 13,4kg of dagga was confiscated and cash amounting to R5 651 was also taken during recovery. Other activities conducted included stop and searches in which 23 vehicles and 158 people were searched,” he said
Meanwhile, in the Giyani Cluster, a 21-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Ngoepe says police followed a tip-off from the community about the existence of the firearm in Makhasa village. The suspect was found in possession of a 9mm pistol, seven rounds of ammunition and four cartridges.
“The origin of the recovered firearm and ammunition will still be determined through the ongoing police investigations.”
In the Bela Bela Cluster, the Northam Task Team Unit conducted an operation in the CBD and the surrounding areas, resulting in the arrest of 33 suspects for public drinking, two for illegal gambling and three for selling liquor without a licence.
“During this operation, 88 people and 38 vehicles were searched and five vehicles tested. The suspects arrested during all these operations will appear before various Magistrate Courts in their respective clusters.”
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba, has commended the teams on a job well done.
