By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Police in Gauteng closed more than 40 unlicensed liquor outlets in Tshwane and other parts of Gauteng that includes Ekurhuleni and West Rand.
Police have this past week raided houses of wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes and gender based violence.
According to Captain Kay Makhubele the thugs were arrested through intelligence information and tip offs where unlicensed firearms were seized.
“Furthermore, a total of 1084 suspects were arrested in Gauteng over the weekend when members of South African Police Service in the province partnered with members of South African National Defence Force, National Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Police, Metropolitan Police Departments, Home Affairs, South African Receiver of Revenue and Private Security Companie.
“This was to fight the scourge of lawlessness in the province. These suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, rape, operating a shop without valid documents, possession of dagga, dealing in drugs, contravening disaster management act, driving under the influence of liquor, illegal immigration, possession of dangerous weapons, unlicensed firearm and ammunition, business robberies, house robberies and theft,” said Makhubele.
Makhubele said In Tshwane District, over 280 suspects were arrested over the past weekend for various crimes including 10 suspects arrested for selling alcohol without valid license, rape, possession of unlicensed firearms and blue light, assault and other serious and violent crimes.
“Meanwhile, in Ekurhuleni District, over 301 suspects were arrested, 12 for drunk driving and others were napped for failing to follow regulations of covid 19, possession of suspected stolen property and theft. In Sedibeng District arrested 71 suspects during the operation.
“Over 199 suspects were arrested in the West Rand District and over 100 in Johannesburg District for various crimes, including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, rape, assault and more liquor outlets were raided after they have not closed at the time stipulated in the regulations of covid 19,” Makhubele said.
Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, applauded the collaboration between the police and other law enforcement agencies for instilling stability in the province and bring perpetrators of crime and violence to book.
“These arrests and confiscations are a clear indication that the criminals cannot do as they wish in our province and that together with other law enforcement agencies we will continue to squeeze the space for the criminals.
“As the province, we remain committed to creating a safer Gauteng and we will continue to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms,” said Mthombeni.
The arrested suspects will appear in various courts across the Province on Monday, 16 August 2021.
Picture: eNCA
