Tshwane SAPS arrest over 300 in weekend crime crackdown

The SAPS in Tshwane embarked on anti-crime operations over the weekend, resulting in more than 300 suspects arrested for various crimes.

The operations, part of ongoing efforts to enhance community safety, involved searches for wanted suspects linked to various criminal offences and roadblocks in the northern parts of the city.

SAPS Tshwane district spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, said the operation was also made possible by various law enforcement agencies such as the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Services, as well as members of the community policing forum.

“This multidisciplinary operation was strategically planned and executed in the Rietgat and Mabopane policing precincts, forming part of ongoing efforts to curb crime in and enhance safety ahead of the festive season in Tshwane,” he said.

He said detectives conducted searches, arresting 252 wanted suspects linked to various serious crimes, including murder, assault, rape, and gender-based violence

Among those arrested were five suspects wanted for murder, six for attempted murder, 36 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 26 for malicious damage to property, 74 for gender-based crimes and ten for rape.

Van Dyk said two operational teams, backed by a roadblock unit, patrolled high-crime areas, resulting in the detention of 22 undocumented foreign nationals who were handed over to immigration authorities for processing.

In the operation, authorities searched 531 people and 206 vehicles, and verified 33 vehicles to check if they were reported stolen.

Police also conducted checks at 20 liquor outlets, resulting in ten outlets closed for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, 574,750ml of liquor confiscated and three gambling machines seized.

Three people were fined for drinking in public, and three suspects busted for dealing in drugs with 30 sachets of crystal methamphetamine seized, including eight sachets of nyaope with an undisclosed amount of cash found in their possession.

Van Dyk said one suspect was arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm and ammunition with no licence or explanation given for having the gun.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect and firearm may be linked to other criminal activities,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tshwane's MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, reported an articulated vehicle busted on R566 and Soutpan Road for operating without a valid licence disc during the metro police’s operation.

“Further inspection at the Akasia weighbridge revealed that the trailer was over 100% overloaded, and records showed the vehicle had been suspended from use and last licensed in 2017. The vehicle has been impounded, and the owner will be held accountable for all associated fees,” he said.

He said the metro police impounded nine minibuses on the R55 in Olievenhoutbosch for serious violations of the National Land Transport Act.

Coetzee said: “Motorists are reminded that all vehicles must be roadworthy, properly licenced and compliant with traffic regulations. The safety of Tshwane’s roads is non-negotiable.”

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za