Over 2900 People have been arrested as various disruptive operations were conducted simultaneously in all the five districts in Gauteng. According to the Police in Gauteng, the arrests were made during the New Year’s Eve Crime Prevention Operations meant to ensure that the public felt safe during and beyond the New Years celebrations.
One of the Operations in Johannesburg District was led by the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola and Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela accompanied by the MEC of Community Safety, Ms Faith Mazibuko.
Of the 2900 arrested, 688 are wanted suspects who were arrested by the detectives during their tracing operations.
“The suspects were charged with different crimes such as possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, drunk and driving, dealing in drugs, possession suspected stolen property, murder, rape, sexual offences and undocumented persons amongst others.”
According to Police, dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms, ammunition, copper cables and illicit cigarettes were seized during the operations.
“On Saturday, 30 December 2023, a search and seizure operation was conducted in Johannesburg Central and it led to the recovery of counterfeit goods to the value of R7million, the operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow which in the past years has been infamous for reckless and lawlessness during the new year’s eve celebrations.”
Some of the arrested suspects were released after paying fines while the others are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Court with Gauteng from Tuesday, 02 January 2024.