Pretoria - Fines valued over R400 000 have been issued across Tshwane, and 60 vehicles were impounded as the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) intensifies law enforcement ahead of the Easter holidays.
TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the pre-Easter operations were held in areas in areas including Soshanguve, Mabopane, Mamelodi and Eersterust.
“The Tshwane Metro Police Department kicked off its big bang Easter season operations in the Soshanguve and Mabopane areas on (Monday) 3 April 2023. On Tuesday, 04 April 2023, the operations were conducted in Mamelodi and Eersterust, East of Pretoria,” said Mahamba.
“These operations are aimed at reducing unlawful behaviour on the roads by increasing visibility, thus reducing crime in the City of Tshwane.”
Mahamba said during the operations, almost 1 000 fines were issued by the TMPD officers, amounting to more than R440 000.
“At least 60 vehicles were impounded for various offences, which includes taxis, tuk-tuks and private vehicles,” he said.
“Two illegal immigrants arrested. One suspect was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
“These operations will be conducted throughout Tshwane, and no stone will be left unturned, and perpetrators will be dealt with decisively.”
Meanwhile, the acting Chief of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, Basil Nkhwashu, has highlighted that anti-crime operations will be conducted beyond the Easter season.
In November, a swift reaction by the TMPD’s tactical unit led to the rescue of a kidnapped motorist, the arrest of three suspects, and recovered the hijacked vehicle, a Hyundai i20, in Nellmapius, Mamelodi.
“The Tshwane Metro Police’s tactical unit members were on the lookout for a white Ford Figo, which was used to hijack a Hyundai i20 vehicle and to abduct the owner in Nellmapius,” Mahamba said at the time.
The TMPD tactical members later spotted the Ford Figo on Alwyn Street in Nellmapius with four occupants inside.
“The vehicle was stopped and searched. The abducted owner of the hijacked vehicle (the Hyundai i20) was found inside, with three suspects,” said Mahamba.
“The three suspects were in possession of an unlicensed firearm of which the serial number was tampered with. They were also in possession of the keys for the hijacked Hyundai i20 and a wallet belonging to the victim.”
IOL