More than 750 arrested in Gauteng festive safety operations

The Gauteng Police's Operation O Kae Molao and Safer Festive Season Operations continued to yield positive results as more than 750 suspects were arrested in the province for various serious and violent crimes.

According to the police's Mavela Masondo, detectives from Ekurhuleni started with the operations on Thursday night where they arrested 193 suspects that have been on the run after committing crimes inclusive of murder, robbery, rape, and assault. 

"Multidisciplinary operations comprising of SAPS, Ekurhuleni  Metropolitan Police Department, Gauteng Traffic, Community Patrollers and other law enforcement agencies continued on Friday in Ekurhuleni.," said Masondo. 

The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Ms Faith Mazibuko, The Provincial  Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng Lieutenant General  Elias Mawela, Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Vincent Leshabane and EMPD Chief of Police Isaac Mapiyeye led the law enforcement officers into a roadblock and raiding of liquor outlets and second-hand dealerships in Reiger Park. 

During this operation, two suspects were arrested after they were found with explosives believed to be used in ATM bombings and illegal mining, said Masondo. 

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"More suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession on copper  cables and undocumented people."

Still in Reiger Park, five illegal liquor outlets were closed down and police discovered an illegal gambling premise. The place was closed down and gambling equipment that include computer boxes and LCD screens were confiscated. A total of eight illegal liquor outlets were closed in Ivory Park and Tembisa where police also arrested five suspects four possession and dealing in drugs.

The West Rand District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana led a similar operation in the district. 

The detectives were able to arrest 148 suspects who were on the wanted list. 

According to Masondo, "These suspects were wanted for crimes that include murder, rape, business robbery,  house robbery,  fraud, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition."

He says 19 illegal immigrants were apprehended and one person found in possession of a dangerous weapon. 

In conjunction with other law enforcement agencies,  police closed down 2 liquor outlets and issued Traffic Fines that amount to R61000 in the West Rand.

The Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Daniel Mthombeni was also on the streets of Tshwane to lead an integrated operation. 

The detectives in Tshwane arrested 188 wanted suspects during the operation that started on Thursday night. 

Early on Friday morning, areas like Brooklyn, Pretoria Central, Pretoria West, and Sunnyside, saw high-density police presence through stop-and-searches, roadblocks, raids, and foot and vehicle patrols.

Eight suspects were caught for public drinking, six suspects for possession of drugs, and two suspects for non-compliance to the Liquor Act. 

Furthermore, traffic fines worth over five thousand rand were issued to several motorists for various traffic violations, while almost ten businessmen were fined R11 000 for illegal trade in cigarettes. 

An illegal liquor outlet was also closed down. 

The raiding of wanted suspects resulted in the arrest of 47 suspects in Sedibeng District 129 suspects in Johannesburg District. 

Masondo warned that police operations will be intensified in Gauteng as we are getting closer to year-end and new year celebrations.