Over 1300 people arrested in Gauteng over weekend

During 1300 persons were detained over the course of the weekend (August 26–28) across the province as a result of different crime prevention initiatives, including roadblocks, tavern raids, stop-and-search operations, and detectives’ tracking down of wanted suspects.

On Saturday, August 27, 2022, when Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, the provincial commissioner of the police in Gauteng, led the integrated ‘Operation O Kae Molao’ in Alexandra, close to 400 of these suspects were apprehended in the Johannesburg Metro area.

Several persons were detained during this operation for a variety of offenses, including drug distribution and possession as well as drunken driving and gun possession.

During the search for individuals wanted for crimes like rape, murder, and other offenses, other suspects were detained.

“Furthermore, 454 people were also arrested in Ekurhuleni District while 253 suspects were apprehended in Tshwane District, 211 in West Rand District and 69 in Sedibeng District.

The police also seized unlicensed firearms, drugs, dangerous weapons and liquor at illegal shebeens.

Some of the suspects were released after paying fines while others are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Courts from Monday, August 29,” said police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Sello.