Over 300 Arrests: Tshwane Police Operation Targets Gender-Based Violence, Drug Trafficking, and Illegal Employment Practices
The weekend in Tshwane saw law enforcement agencies conducting a series of coordinated operations, resulting in over 300 arrests for various offences. These efforts included the ongoing Operation Shanela and activities in areas such as Soshanguve, Rietgat, Olievenhoutbosch, and Wierdabrug.
Arrest Highlights: Tackling Crime Head-On
Tshwane detectives arrested 240 individuals for serious crimes, including:
- 57 cases of gender-based violence
- 30 instances of common assault
- 5 attempted murders
- 7 armed robberies
- 4 rape cases
Additionally, 25 undocumented persons were detained, with legal proceedings underway for deportation. Notably, one employer was arrested for hiring illegal immigrants, reflecting the operation’s broader crackdown on violations of labour and immigration laws.
Addressing Crime on the Roads and in Public Spaces
During the operations:
- 507 individuals and 206 vehicles were searched.
- 28 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol were made.
- 69 traffic infringement notices valued at R28,250 were issued.
- 25 premises and hotspots were searched, resulting in arrests for public drinking and possession of illegal substances.
Six individuals were apprehended for dealing in drugs, with 133 Ziplock bags containing Crystal Meth, Nyaope, Cat, and Dagga seized, alongside an undisclosed amount of cash.
Liquor Law Compliance and Firearm Seizures
The operation also targeted liquor establishments, inspecting 22 venues, six of which were shut down for non-compliance. Authorities confiscated 670,000 millilitres of liquor, slated for destruction pending legal proceedings.
A significant arrest involved an individual found in possession of a hijacked Mercedes-Benz and an unlicensed firearm.
Strategic Blitz: Friday’s Success
A Friday operation yielded 118 arrests across various Tshwane areas, with:
- 42 undocumented individuals detained
- Four suspects apprehended for drug-related offences
- 96 Ziplock bags of illegal substances seized
- Two suspects arrested for possession of car-jamming devices
- One fraud-related arrest linked to card scamming activities
Additionally, two liquor establishments were closed for non-compliance, and alcohol worth 19,400 millilitres was confiscated.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety
Four suspects wanted for armed robbery and housebreaking were arrested in Olievenhoutbosch during a carefully planned operation. A recovered firearm linked to the suspects will undergo forensic analysis to determine its connection to other crimes.
Tshwane police emphasized their commitment to maintaining public safety and addressing criminal activities across the district.
Also read: Illegal Miner Arrested for Attempting to Bribe Gauteng Policeman
