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- More than 1,300 suspects were arrested in Gauteng over the Christmas weekend.
- Among those arrested were more than 200 illegal immigrants.
- More than 100 people were also arrested for drinking and driving.
More than 200 illegal immigrants were among 1,340 people arrested during police operations in Gauteng over the Christmas weekend.
The O Kae Molao and Safer Festive Season operations began with barricades across the province, conducted in conjunction with various metro police departments and the Department of the Interior.
Police spokesman Captain Kay Makhubele said that more than 200 foreign nationals who were in South Africa illegally were arrested and that more than 100 people were arrested for driving while intoxicated.
In Tshwane, 450 people were arrested for violent crimes, including murder and rape, during operations that also focused on locating wanted suspects.
“More than 300 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the Ekurhuleni district during the holiday season operations,” Makhubele said.
“These arrests were made in operations that included arrests and searches, patrols and checkpoints. Twenty suspects were arrested for drug possession, 16 for selling liquor without a license, while others were for numerous serious and violent crimes.”
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In Johannesburg, the police also closed down a popular liquor store in Sandton that had previously been raided during a visit by Police Minister Bheki Cele. The owner was arrested after the liquor store was found to be operating illegally, according to police.
“The place was found full of customers who did not observe social distancing and did not wear masks.”
Liquor stores were also closed in Tembisa and Kagiso because the police discovered that social distancing and the use of masks were not observed.
“These shebeens were also operating long after curfew time. The owners were also arrested and the liquor confiscated after the outlets were found to be operating without valid liquor licenses,” Makhubele added.
In West Rand, 268 people were arrested for crimes that included kidnapping, assault with intent to cause serious bodily harm, assault, robbery, fraud and rape.
In Sedibeng, 900 people were also arrested for crimes that included theft of homes, possession of stolen property, possession of stolen vehicles, theft, violation of protection orders, driving while intoxicated, cases related to domestic violence and malicious damage to property.
People are expected to appear soon in different courts in the province.
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