To combat crime, the SAPS multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela executed high-density operations in Springs on April 25.
The operation, led by Ekurhuleni SAPS deputy district commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela, resulted in the arrest of 267 suspects for various offences.
It was a joint effort comprising SAPS, EMPD, Home Affairs, Crime Prevention Wardens, Siyabangena patrollers, and other stakeholders.
Machakela said among the arrested individuals were 44 undocumented persons and two suspected of drug use.
Thirty-seven traffic fines to the value of R15 200 were issued to motorists.
Various police units carried out raids at illegal shops and drug dens in Springs. During a police raid, a man died after he swallowed an undisclosed amount of drugs in an attempt to hide them from the officers.
“He was found at one of the identified drug locations by the police drug division unit,” said Machakela.
“He was taken into police custody, and after a short while, he fell ill.”
The police took him to a nearby clinic, where he was referred to the Far East Rand Hospital. He was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In parallel to the operation, the Vala Umgodi Illegal Mining Operation was also conducted in the area, where two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen diesel.
“Two shovels, two wheelbarrows, a generator, an oxygen cylinder, and four phendukas were seized.”
Machakela said the operation is continuing in the area.
“We are not going to disclose when the operation will end, but we are working to ensure the residents are safe and feel safe.
“We want to ensure that there are successes from this operation.”
