Police sweep Rietgat, Soshanguve in major crime bust
The high-density operation ran from July 19, aimed at increasing police visibility with continued actions by addressing crime in Tshwane, focused on the Rietgat and Soshanguve policing precincts.
The multidisciplinary operation was led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine.
It comprised different stakeholders, including SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, National Traffic Police, TMPD, Gauteng Traffic police and wardens, the Department of Community Safety and representatives of the local CPF.
Police spokesperson Johan van Dyk stated that the combined effort resulted in the arrest of 343 suspects for various criminal offences.
'These results are a direct outcome of planning, strategic deployments and heightened visibility aimed at reducing crime and continued track and tracing of wanted suspects,' he said.
Van Dyk said detective teams were responsible for the arrest of more than 200 suspects on Saturday night alone.
'Tshwane District detectives executed the first phase of the operation and were responsible for 254 arrests. These included 70 suspects for gender-based violence-related offences, 4 for murder, 3 for attempted murder, 9 for armed robbery, 1 for impersonating a police officer, 27 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and 6 for rape.'
A roadblock was set up in Soshanguve, and two operational teams were deployed in the policing areas, resulting in the detention of 29 undocumented foreign nationals. They are currently being processed by immigration authorities for deportation.
Van Dyk said that during the operation, 926 individuals and 418 vehicles were searched, adding that '27 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.'
He said crime hotspots that were raided led to the arrest of more suspects.
'Targeted patrols were conducted at 21 identified crime hotspots, leading to further arrests, including 19 persons for public drinking and 4 suspects for possession of drugs when several bags containing crystal meth were found in their possession.'
Traffic enforcement units issued 57 Aarto infringement notices, totalling R76 000 in fines.
Van Dyk said 16 spaza shops were inspected, with 22 liquor compliance inspections being carried out at various establishments, resulting in six being closed.
He said that alcohol and two gambling machines were confiscated.
Major-General Thine commended all participating stakeholders for their continued co-operation.
Thine also thanked the citizens of Tshwane for their words of encouragement and support.
He assured the residents and emphasised that disruptive crime-combatting operations will continue across Tshwane.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activities to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
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