The intensified Safer Festive Season and O Kae Molao Operations in Gauteng resulted in the arrest of more than 1200 people over the second weekend of the New Year. Out of those arrested, more than 300 were arrested for contravention of the Disaster Management Act that include failure to confine to place of residence during curfew under the Adjusted Level 3 of the Lockdown.
Two hundred and eighty three (283) suspects were arrested in Ekurhuleni for crimes that include: dealing in drugs, rape, truck hijacking, possession of suspected stolen vehicle, dealing in dagga, driving while under the influence of alcohol, and assault.
More than three hundred and twenty (320) suspects were nabbed by police in Tshwane for committing crimes such as business burglary, possession of suspected stolen property, robbery and driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Operations also took place in Johannesburg and the West Rand whereby more than three hundred and seventy-five (375) suspects were arrested for armed robbery, murder, assault, business robbery, house breaking, driving while under the influence of alcohol and possession of drugs, amongst other crimes.
Two hundred and twenty eight (228) suspects were arrested in Sedibeng for different offences. An additional three suspects were arrested on Sunday 10 January 2021 at a church in Sebokeng, Zone 7 for contravening the Disaster Management Act in relation to provisions on gatherings after police dispersed a group of about 250 congregants.
All the arrested suspects will appear before different magistrate courts in Gauteng in due course.
Over and above the weekend operations the SAPS together with other law enforcement agencies in the Province have since last Monday, 4 January 2021 mounted static provincial roadblocks, all the while working hard at balancing crime prevention with ensuring adherence and enforcing the Lockdown Regulations. People of Gauteng should therefore expect more roadblocks and stop-and-search operations.
Meanwhile, police visibility has been heightened at shopping malls, bus terminals and taxi ranks to prevent robberies and other serious and violent crimes.
