Gauteng Police Arrest Over 900 Suspects in Major Crime Operation

Lieutenant General Mthombeni personally oversaw a roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, an area noted for high rates of violent crime.

In a major law enforcement initiative led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, over 900 suspects have been arrested in a high-density operation targeting serious criminal activities.

The operation, which began on Saturday, involved a broad range of law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum, and private security firms.

The suspects were detained for a variety of serious offenses, including murder, attempted murder, rape, business robbery, drug dealing, possession of drugs, assault, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Key aspects of the operation included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids designed to capture wanted criminals. Detectives across the province apprehended over 600 suspects sought for various crimes, with 117 arrests specifically related to gender-based violence.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni personally oversaw a roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, an area noted for high rates of violent crime. Parallel high-density operations were executed across all districts, leading to numerous arrests.

In the Tshwane district alone, 43 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 79 were found to be illegal immigrants, and two were apprehended for drug dealing. Additionally, one individual was arrested for employing illegal immigrants, another for dealing in illicit cigarettes, and 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance with regulations.

The high-density operation is set to continue until significant reductions in crime are achieved in Gauteng. The arrested suspects will face charges in various provincial Magistrates' Courts.