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- Police carried out a series of operations in Pretoria over the weekend, resulting in the arrest of more than 400 suspects.
- They were arrested on charges that included murder, rape, and driving under the influence.
- Several illegal liquor establishments were also closed.
More than 400 people have been arrested in Tshwane over the weekend for crimes such as murder, rape and domestic violence.
The joint operations were carried out throughout the capital city with a focus on high-density areas such as Mamelodi, Central Pretoria, Brooklyn, Soshanguve, Mabopane and Atteridgeville.
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Police also raided several bars and taverns and issued fines for violating the Alcoholic Beverages Act. More than 15 illegal liquor stores were closed, according to police spokeswoman Captain Augustinah Selepe.
Selepe said the suspects, ages 20 to 55, were arrested on the following charges:
- Murder
- Violation
- Robbery business
- GBH assault
- Assault under the Domestic Violence Act
- Stole
- Drug possession
- Transportation of liquor in contravention of the Disaster Management Law
- Possession of stolen property
- Dagga possession
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Drinking liquor in public.
In addition, stolen motor vehicles and unlicensed firearms were also recovered.
“Detectives from across the district conducted tracing operations and arrested more than 450 wanted suspects,” added Selepe.
Tshwane District Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Hilda Mohajane praised the police for the arrests, adding that law enforcement would continue to target critical areas such as taxi stands and shopping centers.
Mohajane added that operations in Tshwane would be intensified during the festive season to “treat harshly people who do not respect the laws and, above all, non-compliance with Covid-19 regulations.”
It also issued a stern warning to liquor dealers and event organizers that they must comply with the Disaster Management Act and the Liquor Act, as failure to comply with regulations could result in business closures.
Roadblocks in Pretoria will also increase during this period in an effort to stop drunk drivers.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in Pretoria courts soon.
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