In a show of force, Tshwane police officers arrested 318 suspects and recovered a stolen vehicle over the weekend as part of the ongoing Operation Shanela, highlighting their relentless efforts in the fight against crime.
The operation, led by Major-General Samuel Thine, on Saturday in Silverton and Garsfontein, brought together the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic, Tshwane Metro Police, and Tracker SA. It led to the arrest of wanted suspects, boosted visible policing, and tightened liquor law enforcement in the targeted areas.
Captain Johan Van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, said that detectives arrested 249 suspects for various offenses, including, 75 for gender-based violence, five for murder, three for attempted murder, 12 for armed robbery and three for rape.
Van Dyk also reported that 27 undocumented individuals were taken into custody and are awaiting legal processing for deportation. Additionally, one person was arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.
In addition, law enforcement set up a roadblock in Silverton, and two teams carried out compliance checks and operations across the precincts. These efforts involved searching individuals and vehicles, leading to the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
“A total of 803 individuals and 258 vehicles were searched. Additionally, 79 vehicles were verified to determine if they had been reported stolen, leading to the recovery of a Toyota Prado that had been stolen in Garsfontein earlier in the month.”
He further said that 25 individuals were arrested and fined for public drinking, while four others were detained for related offenses.
Moreover, 12 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. One driver found intoxicated with a firearm in his possession had the weapon confiscated, and an investigation into his right to own a firearm will be conducted under the Firearms Control Act.
Traffic enforcement also led to the issuance of 25 AARTO infringement notices, totaling R13,750, for violations of the Road Traffic Act.
Van Dyk further mentioned that officers conducted searches at 31 premises and crime hotspots, resulting in a trio of arrests for drug possession. They also seized three sachets of crystal meth and one mandrax tablet.
Officers also discovered 410 bank cards, 401 identity documents, and an undisclosed amount of cash at one of the premises.
“During the search of one of the premises, authorities discovered 410 bank cards, 401 identification documents, 12 cellphones, one laptop, one iPad, and an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was arrested and will be charged with contravening both the Credit Act and the Prevention of Organized Crime Act,” he added.
He also added that 161,244 ml of alcohol was confiscated during the operation.
“Liquor compliance inspections involved five establishments, with four being shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act and 161,244 ml of alcohol confiscated,” said Van Dyk.
The Star
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