Tshwane police crackdown leads to 289 arrests and vital firearm recovery
The sweeping operation targeted crime-infested areas of Ekangala and Bronkhorstspruit, where police moved in to dismantle criminal networks and reinforce their presence in some of Tshwane's most troubled communities.
Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that on May 17, a coordinated operation was carried out by SAPS, Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police, Gauteng Traffic units, and Community Policing Forums, targeting suspects for various offences with a specific focus on liquor compliance and the apprehension of wanted individuals.
Van Dyk reported that the arrests encompassed individuals accused of offenses including 75 suspects for gender-based violence, four for kidnapping, six for intimidation, four for attempted murder, 15 for assault with intent to inflict serious injury, and one for rape.
He added that a roadblock in Ekangala, along with mobile tactical teams throughout the area, resulted in the detention of 15 undocumented foreign nationals.
'These individuals are currently being processed by immigration authorities for deportation.'
Van Dyk highlighted that extensive stop-and-search efforts were conducted during the operation, which resulted in several drunk driving arrests and thousands of rands in traffic fines for various violations.
'During the operation, officers searched 508 individuals and 281 vehicles, which led to 27 arrests for driving under the influence,' said Van Dyk. 'Traffic officials also issued 81 AARTO infringement notices totalling R47 850 for road traffic offences,' he added.
Van Dyk added that officers targeted 11 known crime hotspots, resulting in 14 arrests and fines for public drinking. Alcohol was also confiscated during the operation.
'Liquor inspections were conducted at 20 establishments. As a result, three premises were closed, and 306,325 ml of alcohol was confiscated,' he said.
One suspect was taken into custody for possessing an unlicensed firearm, which had been reported stolen in Rietgat, and the suspect is being investigated for possible involvement in additional offences.
'We arrested one individual for possession of an unlicensed firearm that was previously reported stolen in Rietgat. The firearm will be sent for forensic testing to establish any links to other criminal activity.'
The Star
[email protected]
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
4 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Taxpayers have spent almost R170m on police VIP protection since 2020
The police have spent more than R169m on VIP protection services for members of the legislature, judiciary and ad hoc VIPs in the past five financial years. This was revealed by suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu in response to a written parliamentary question by Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana. Mchunu said there were three categories of people who have received VIP protection, other than members of the executive and diplomats. Category one covers members of the legislature including speakers and deputy speakers of the national and provincial legislatures, and chairs and deputy chairs of the National Council of Provinces. Mchunu said the department spent about R71m a year for 22 VIPs, excluding basic compensation of SAPS close protection officers and travel expenditure. Category two are identified members of the judiciary: chief justice, deputy chief justice, judge presidents, judge president of the Supreme Court of Appeal, deputy judge president of the Supreme Court of Appeal and judge president of the labour court. Fourteen VIPs cost the department about R45m a year, excluding basic compensation of the SAPS close protection officers and travel expenditure. Category three are ad hoc VIPs, who are individuals of strategic importance to the country and are protected based on a positive threat against their physical security as confirmed by the intelligence community. The department spent about R53m on 82 VIPs over the past five years excluding basic compensation of SAPS close protection officers and travel expenditure. 'Identified provincial premiers, members of the executive council and judiciary have been protected in terms of the mandate that is extended to the SAPS, in terms of cabinet memorandum 1A of 2004 dated 10 November 2004 (minutes dated 17 November 2004), as well as the SAPS protection and security services divisional directive 'protection services rendered by the SAPS to identified local and foreign dignitaries', dated 8 December 2023,' Mchunu said. 'The ad hoc protection of VIPs is provided on a threat and risk basis.' Gana argued that the figure for each ad hoc VIP is too high. 'The response on the rationale for protecting ad hoc VIPs is not clear and convincing,' Gana said. 'I will be asking a follow-up question on the ad hoc VIPs.'
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Drugs, weapons, and liquor seized as SAPS intensifies ongoing metro-wide operation
Police arrested 356 suspects on the weekend during Operation Shanela in Atteridgeville. The August 2 operation, aimed at increasing police visibility and restoring order, focused on the Atteridgeville policing precinct and surrounding areas. 'The joint efforts of this team yielded significant results, with 356 suspects arrested for various criminal offences. This outcome is a direct reflection of thorough planning, targeted deployments, and sustained visibility intended to suppress crime and track wanted suspects in identified areas,' said police spokesperson, Captain Johan Van Dyk. Tshwane District detectives launched the first phase of the operation by arresting 260 suspects, including 65 for gender-based violence-related (GBV) offences, three for murder, three for attempted murder, six for armed robbery, one for perjury, three for possession of unlicensed firearms, and six for rape. The second phase of the operation, executed by uniformed officers, involved a roadblock within the precinct, supported by two operational teams deployed across the area. As a result, 34 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and are currently being processed by immigration authorities for court appearances and deportation, with one person being fined for employing illegal immigrants. In total, 1 240 individuals and 518 vehicles were searched, with three vehicles being verified to determine whether they were stolen. This resulted in the recovery of a motor vehicle that was reported stolen earlier at Pretoria Central SAPS. Police arrested 37 people for driving under the influence of alcohol. One vehicle was confiscated due to non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act and 60 Aarto infringement notices were issued, amounting to R30 000. Targeted patrols and searches were also carried out at 25 identified crime hotspots, further disrupting criminal activity and resulting in the arrest of nine people for public drinking. Two suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs when 417 ziplock bags containing various drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in their possession. Additionally, 32 liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, leading to the closure of 11 establishments due to their non-compliance. This resulted in the confiscation of 3460 litres of liquor and two gambling machines. The SAPS in Tshwane says it continues to maintain its zero-tolerance stance on crime through the continued execution of Operation Shanela across the metro. The SAPS urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ten Gauteng police officers in court over alleged theft of cigarettes, cash and painkillers
Ten Gauteng police officers in court over alleged theft of cigarettes, cash and painkillers Ten members of the SAPS and EMPD appeared in the Germiston Magistrates' Court today, 5 August, on charges of theft following their arrest at Edenvale Police Station on Sunday. The accused, arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) while on duty, were initially suspected of theft and corruption. However, Johannesburg regional NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that only theft charges were brought after reviewing the docket. ALSO READ: 10 officers arrested in Edenvale on theft and corruption charges The allegations stem from a 4 June multi-disciplinary raid on a shop in Edenvale during a law enforcement operation initiated by the Gauteng Premier. Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the officers seized illicit cigarettes, R35 000 in cash, and three packs of Panado tablets. The value of the tablets is yet to be determined. Suping added that the officers allegedly failed to record all seized items in the police station's occurrence book, with the shop manager disputing the listed quantity and type of goods. ALSO READ: Ten EMPD and SAPS officers arrested in Edenvale to appear in court over June raid The accused include six EMPD officers — three from Edenvale — and four SAPS members from Tsakane Police Station. All are Constables except for one Sergeant. The state is not opposing bail, and the case was postponed to 6 August for the continuation of the bail hearing.
