More than 1 300 arrested in Gauteng on Christmas weekend

Police in Gauteng had a busy Christmas weekend, arresting 1 340 suspects for different crimes. 

The arrests were part of the O Kae Molao and Safer Festive Season Operations.  

Liquor outlets closed down 

According to police, the operations began with roadblocks during which  more than 200 illegal immigrants were arrested.  

“The team included members of the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department and Department of Home Affairs. The police closed down a popular liquor outlet in Sandton which was previously raided during the visit by the Minister of police General Bheki Cele and arrested the owner after it was found to be operating illegally,” spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubele said in a statement. 

Police said the place was found packed with patrons who were not observing the necessary COVID-19 preventative measures like social distancing and not wearing masks.  

This was the same for liquor outlets in Tembisa and Kagiso which were also closed down after a raid in the early hours. 

“This shebeen was also operating way after the curfew time. The owners were also arrested and liquor confiscated after it was discovered that the outlets were operating without valid liquor licenses,” Makhubele said. 

Over 400 suspects arrested in Tshwane 

The SAPS in the Tshwane district also managed to make a total of 450 arrests during joint and intensified operations and tracing of wanted suspects. The suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes such as murder and rape. 

Police in West Rand District collaborated with other law enforcement agencies when embarking on Safer Festive Season operations which resulted in the arrest of 268 suspects. Amongst the handcuffed suspects were those arrested for crimes kidnapping, assault with the intent to inflict bodily harm, assault, theft, fraud and rape. 

Over 300 suspects were arrested for various offences in the Ekurhuleni District during Festive Season operations. These arrests were effected at operations that included stop and searches, patrols and roadblocks. Twenty suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, sixteen for selling liquor without licence while others were for numerous serious and violent crimes. 

“A total of 90 suspects in Sedibeng were also arrested for crimes that include house robbery, possession of stolen goods, possession of stolen vehicles, theft, contravening of protection order, drunken and driving, domestic violence related cases, malicious damage to property and dealing in liquor with licensed,” police said. 

The suspects will appear in different Magistrate Courts within the province soon.