The SAPS and Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) joined forces on Saturday to conduct a zero-tolerance crime operation in the Garsfontein and Boschkop policing precincts, arresting more than 250 suspects for serious offenses such as murder and attempted murder. 

The crime-fighting operation involved various stakeholders, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Service, and members of the local Community Policing Forum.

SAPS spokesperson in Tshwane district Captain Johan van Dyk said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance community safety across Tshwane

He said detectives led the charge in a crime blitz, tracing and arresting 251 wanted suspects linked to various serious crimes, including seven for murder, one for attempted murder, two for armed robbery, and nine for rape.

“During the evening, two operational teams, supported by a roadblock component, were deployed to patrol and maintain a strong police presence on the streets. This led to the detention of 42 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to immigration authorities for further processing and deportation,” he said.

A total of 608 persons and 242 vehicles were searched during the operation and police conducted high-visibility patrols at 16 identified hotspots, inspecting 11 liquor outlets for compliance with the Liquor Act. 

Van Dyk said three outlets were closed due to non-compliance, and 110 520 ml of liquor were confiscated. 

In addition, nine individuals were fined for public drinking, and one suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in drugs after 49 ziplock bags of dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in his possession.

“Detectives continued their tracing efforts and successfully arrested several additional wanted persons, including one for fraud, two for assault, one for malicious damage to property, and one for theft,” Van Dyk said.

TMPD officers conducted a targeted operation in Pretoria North, Hatfield, and Hammanskraal, resulting in the arrest of 34 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and 1 for public drinking.

During an operation at R80 highway and Bremer Road, four drunk drivers were arrested and 10 suspected drunk drivers were also apprehended.

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said: “TMPD continues the fight against the injustices caused by drivers who operate vehicles under the influence of intoxicating substances, endangering the lives of innocent people on the roads. This is a commitment the TMPD has made to ensure that everyone is safe on the road.”

He said the metro police searched and inspected several motor vehicles, issuing a total of 143 Aarto 1 infringement notices to drivers found non-compliant with road rules during the operations.

They also conducted two by-law operations in Bronkhorstspruit and Hammanskraal. 

In Hammanskraal, inspections were carried out at several businesses, with warning notices issued to non-compliant owners. Three suspects were arrested for violating the Immigration Act.

In Bronkhorstspruit, metro police inspected several businesses, disconnecting illegal electricity connections and confiscating electrical cables.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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