One thousand six hundred (1600) suspects were arrested for various crimes in Gauteng over the weekend. Three hundred and twenty (320) of these suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes and one hundred and thirty-nine (139) for gender-based violence, where most of the victims are women. More than three hundred (300) undocumented people were arrested.
Other suspects were arrested during O Kae Molao Operations which were led by the Provincial Commissioner and District Commissioners.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led an operation in Tshwane where more than 400 suspects were arrested for offenses ranging from possession of stolen and hijacked vehicles to possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, house robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of drugs. Twenty-four illegal liquor outlets were closed down and alcohol confiscated.
Major General Anna Sithole led multi-disciplinary operations in Ekurhuleni where more than four hundred and ninety (490) suspects were arrested. These suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from selling liquor without having licenses, robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and murder.
Major General Fred Kekana was on the ground in West Rand leading integrated operations. A total of two hundred (200) suspects were secured during these operations for crimes ranging from murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, malicious damage to property, robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Major General Zodwa Molefe on the other handled from the front where members of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies conducted crime prevention operations in Sedibeng District. One hundred and twenty-eight (128) suspects were arrested for various crimes, including driving while under the influence of alcohol, theft, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of the stolen property, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
Acting District Commissioner of Johannesburg Brigadier Nenghovhela was in charge of operations conducted in Johannesburg where more than three hundred and seventy (370) suspects were arrested. The operations focused on hotspots, where most crimes are reported. Among those arrested were suspects of car hijacking, sexual assault, possession of drugs, rape, house robbery, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The suspects are due to appear at the different Magistrates’ Courts from Monday, 25 April 2022.