Over the past six months, Gauteng police have arrested 1,587 suspects in connection with gangsterism.
Gauteng police commissioner Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni told reporters on Thursday gangsterism is a challenge in the province, especially in areas such as Eldorado Park, Westbury, Langlaagte, Sophiatown and Riverlea.
“We have for this period [April to September] arrested 1,587 [suspects] of which 65 are [for] murders, 87 attempted murders, 214 for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and 1,221 for dealing and possession of drugs,” he said.
Mthombeni provided an update on the anti-gang unit. He said Gauteng is one of the provinces most affected by crime and in response police set up units to stabilise and normalise the most affected areas.
“Within the space of the anti-gang [unit], we managed to recover 235 unlicensed firearms, 2,638 [rounds of] ammunition [and] 60kg of various drugs. Drugs are a problem in the province. We know we have challenges in the proliferation of illicit drugs.”
Phathu Luvhengo
www.timeslive.co.za
