Gauteng police arrest over 750 alleged criminals during festive season

More than 750 suspects have been arrested by Gauteng police over the festive season. File Photo.
Image: SUHAIB SALEM

More than 750 suspects, many of them on the run, have been arrested in Gauteng since the start of the festive season.

The arrests were a result of the province's o kae molao and safer festive season operations.

“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,” said police spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo.

On Friday, two suspects were arrested after they were found with explosives believed to be for use in ATM bombings and illegal mining.

More suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, possession of suspected stolen goods, possession of copper cables and for not being documented.

“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 includes computer boxes and LCD screens was confiscated,” Masondo said.

He said eight illegal liquor outlets were closed in Ivory Park  and Tembisa where police also arrested five suspects for possession of and dealing in drugs.

Another operation in the West Rand district, saw the arrest of 148 suspects who were on the wanted list.

“These suspects were wanted for crimes that include murder, rape, business robbery,  house robbery,  fraud, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Nineteen illegal immigrants were apprehended and one person found in possession of a dangerous weapon.

“In conjunction with other law enforcement agencies,  police closed down two liquor outlets and issued traffic fines that amount to R61,000 in the West Rand,” Masondo said.