The Tshwane District of the South African Police Service (SAPS) takes great pride in announcing the successful apprehension of 981 offenders during five separate and highly effective operations this week, showcasing their unwavering commitment to protect their communities.
The week commenced on Sunday 23 July 2023, with a High-Density operation in the Mamelodi East Policing area.
Diligent law enforcement officers arrested 19 undocumented immigrants, 1 individual for driving under the influence of alcohol, and 1 person for drinking in public. Additionally, six liquor outlets were inspected, resulting in the closure of all six establishments for contravening the liquor act, and the confiscation of 508,380 ml of liquor, which will be destroyed. Moreover, 19 Aarto traffic infringement notices were issued, with a total value of R 18,000. During this operation, 308 persons and 169 vehicles were searched.
On Monday 24 July 2023, officers from Temba SAPS executed a High-Density operation in their respective Policing area.
The operation involved inspections at 3 liquor premises, resulting in the closure of all these premises, and 160,040 ml of liquor was confiscated and earmarked for destruction. Furthermore, 4 undocumented immigrants were arrested, along with 1 person for employing undocumented immigrants, and 1 suspect for possession of drugs, and another person for possession of counterfeit cigarettes. Three second-hand premises were inspected and subsequently fined for not complying with the second-hand goods Act.
Additionally, Operation Shanela was conducted in the early hours of Thursday, 27 July 2023, in Hercules.
Through collaborative efforts, multiple stakeholders succeeded in apprehending 18 undocumented immigrants and six persons involved in drug possession and dealing. Several ziplock plastic bags containing dagga with a total weight of 3,686 kg and other illegal narcotics were confiscated. A total of 222 Aarto traffic infringement notices were issued during a roadblock, amounting to R177, 400. Law enforcement personnel searched 1013 individuals and 550 vehicles during this operation. Thirteen liquor outlets were inspected, and six were found non-compliant, which resulted in the closing of these outlets with 300,190 ml of liquor confiscated. Furthermore, 4 illegal firearms were found, and 3 persons were arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearms. These firearms will undergo ballistic analysis to determine any potential involvement in other criminal activities.
Parallel to these efforts, detectives from various police stations in the city apprehended at least 284 suspects wanted for various crimes, which includes 113 arrests for Gender-Based Violence transgressions.
On Friday 28 July 2023, Bronkhorstspruit SAPS conducted a crime operation whereby 210 persons and 57 vehicles were searched, resulting in the arrest of 3 illegal immigrants, 5 drunk driving arrests, 2 individuals for drinking in public, and 1 for possession of drugs. Also on Friday, the Tshwane District destroyed 7,650,590 ml of liquor that was confiscated in various operations and compliance inspections in the District of Tshwane.
Two suspects were also arrested for involvement in truck hijackings while impersonating Gauteng Police Traffic officers. These arrests followed six months of investigation. These suspects were in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, jamming equipment, false number plates, and several uniforms and equipment from Gauteng Traffic.
Concluding the week, another Operation Shanela was conducted in the afternoon of Saturday 29 July 2023, in the Silverton police precinct. This operation led to the arrest of at least 307 individuals involved in various crimes, including eleven individuals driving under the influence of alcohol, 42 undocumented immigrants, 15 individuals drinking in public, and 3 persons detained for possession of drugs. Additionally, 23 liquor outlets were inspected, of which 1 was closed, and 198,959 ml of liquor, along with two fridges, four speakers, and a laptop, were confiscated for not complying with the liquor act. A total of 987 persons and 512 vehicles were searched, resulting in 122 Aarto traffic infringement notices issued with a value of R114, 900, and the recovery of a stolen Mercedes Benz motor vehicle, with the driver being arrested.
The success of all these operations was made possible through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including the Departments of Home Affairs, Labour, and Correctional Service, Community Safety, Crime Prevention Wardens, Tracker, Gauteng Traffic, Tshwane Metro Police Department, local councillors, Community Policing Forums, and various SAPS members from different units and stations within the Tshwane Policing District.
Throughout the week, a total of 2,892 individuals and 1,397 vehicles underwent thorough searches at roadblocks, resulting in the issuance of 363 Aarto fines totaling R310, 300.
Furthermore, 86 undocumented immigrants were arrested. Law enforcement inspected 50 liquor outlets, leading to the closure of 16 non-compliant establishments. In total, 897,398 ml of liquor and 202 cartons of illicit cigarettes were confiscated, and one person was arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
All seized firearms will undergo ballistic analysis to determine any potential involvement in other criminal activities.
Major General Nengovhela expresses sincere appreciation and extends congratulations to this successful team of relevant stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication in ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens in Tshwane.
