More than 2000 suspects arrested in Gauteng

Police say they'll continue with crime combatting operations beyond the recent festive season.

According to a statement from the provincial police, a number of vehicles were recovered and linked to cases of hijacking and theft in the Ekurhuleni area.

"A 50 year old suspect believed to be a ringleader of the gang that is stealing and hijacking vehicles in Ekurhuleni was arrested," police confirmed.

Roadblocks, foot patrols, tracing of stolen and hijacked vehicles, stop and searches as well as raids on various illegal liquor outlets all make out part of the ongoing operations. 

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More than seven hundred suspects were arrested in Johannesburg alone.

"They were arrested for various offences ranging from armed robbery, attempted murder, possession of drugs, assault, drunk driving, business robbery, possession of hijacked vehicles," police said.

Police say they are prioritising crimes against women and children as well as violent crimes.

One-hundred and thirty six suspects were arrested in Ekurhuleni for crimes ranging from rape, housebreaking, possession of suspected stolen and hijacked vehicles, possession of dagga, driving under the influence of alcohol and assault, while 591 suspects  were arrested for various crimes in the Tshwane area.

Police in Soweto arrested 550 suspects for assault, business robbery, housebreaking, driving under the influence of alcohol and the possession of stolen vehicles, amongst other crimes. 

443 suspects were arrested on the West Rand for crimes like the possession of illegal substances, culpable homicide, rape, assault, shoplifting, housebreaking and vehicle theft. 

All arrested suspects will appear before different magistrate courts in Gauteng on Monday.