Tshwane police arrest 440 suspects, shut down liquor outlets in crime blitz

Visible policing operations were conducted simultaneously through roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and patrols in identified crime hotspots.

Gauteng police arrested 440 suspects, including 242 wanted individuals, during a crime prevention operation in Tshwane targeting serious crime, illegal immigration and drug-related offences.

The multidisciplinary operation was conducted on Saturday, November 7, across the Mamelodi, Sunnyside, Atteridgeville, Temba, Hammanskraal and Ga-Rankuwa policing precincts.

Police also shut down 25 liquor outlets, issued fines to 24 establishments and confiscated more than 1.4 million millilitres of liquor during the operation.

The operation involved various SAPS units, the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).

It was conducted under the command of Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine.

Tshwane District detectives conducted targeted tracing operations from Friday evening, focusing on suspects wanted in connection with various criminal offences.

The operations resulted in the arrest of 242 wanted suspects.

Among those arrested were two suspects wanted for murder, four for kidnapping, four for armed robbery, two for rape and 70 for gender-based violence-related offences.

A further 47 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and handed over to immigration officials for further processing.

Law enforcement teams conducted compliance inspections at liquor outlets across the identified policing precincts.

Of the 57 establishments inspected, 25 were closed, and 24 were fined for contraventions of the Liquor Act.

Visible policing operations were conducted simultaneously through roadblocks, stop-and-search operations and patrols in identified crime hotspots.

The interventions resulted in the arrest of 16 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Police searched 985 people and 394 vehicles, while 14 vehicles were tested to establish whether they had been stolen.

A further 63 people were arrested for drinking in public, while one person was arrested for illegal gambling.

Eleven suspects were also arrested for possession of and dealing in drugs.

Police seized 75 ziplock bags containing various drugs, seven quarter-tablets of Mandrax and an undisclosed amount of cash during the arrests.

Major General Thine commended SAPS members and participating law enforcement partners for their dedication and commitment, which contributed to the operation.

He emphasised the importance of continued collaboration and sustained high-visibility policing in addressing crime and ensuring the safety of communities across the Tshwane District.