The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has hailed a province-wide law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of 107 suspects and the recovery of 57 stolen and hijacked vehicles over a six-week period.
The department said the arrests and recoveries were made during coordinated operations conducted by the Gauteng Traffic Police Department’s Special Law Enforcement Unit (SLEU) and Saturation Unit between 28 May and 9 July. The operations targeted identified crime hotspots across the province.
In the City of Tshwane, officers arrested 15 suspects on charges including pointing of a firearm, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), armed robbery, housebreaking and possession of dagga.
The department said officers confiscated approximately 160kg of dagga during operations carried out in Rietgat, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Mamelodi East, Pretoria North and Queenswood.
A further 41 suspects were arrested during operations in the City of Ekurhuleni and the Sedibeng District Municipality.
The suspects face charges including drug dealing, possession of copper, possession of suspected stolen property, unlawful possession of live ammunition, fraud, possession of illegal mining equipment and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The operations were conducted in Elsburg, Tembisa North, Ivory Park, Katlehong, Vereeniging, Sedibeng and Orange Farm.
In the City of Johannesburg, police arrested 45 suspects on charges ranging from assault GBH and armed robbery to possession of ammunition, dangerous weapons, theft and immigration-related offences.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of two stolen vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner and a Toyota Yaris.
Law enforcement teams conducted operations in Johannesburg, Jabulani, Eldorado Park, Dobsonville and Doornkop.
The Department of Community Safety said the coordinated operations demonstrate the provincial government’s commitment to intensifying the fight against crime and creating safer communities.
It also commended members of the Gauteng Traffic Police for their “unwavering dedication in safeguarding communities across the province.”
The department urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious behaviour and criminal activity to their nearest police station.
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Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
