The Tshwane Metro Police Department’s (TMPD) seizure of 30 minibuses operating without permits in Pretoria West and the inner-city sends a strong message that lawlessness will not be tolerated, particularly when it puts passengers and other road users at risk.

This was according to the metro police spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba, who said the TMPD public transport and task team unit impounded minibuses for operating contrary to the National Land Transport Act during road safety operations.

“These operations are aimed at sending a clear message to all operators that there will not be any leniency when it comes to any form of lawlessness that threatens the safety of passengers and that of other road users,” he said.

He vowed that the TMPD will continue to crack down on traffic offenders to keep roads safe and orderly.

In a separate operation, the TMPD’s by-laws unit teamed up with City of Tshwane officials to clamp down on businesses flouting regulations in Gezina.

Mahamba reported that over 20 shops were inspected during the Gezina operation, resulting in multiple Section 56 notices being issued for non-compliance. Five businesses, including popular food outlets, were shut down for failing to meet required standards.

In Centurion, TMPD regional policing officers maintained their presence in Irene and Lyttleton, conducting a crime prevention operation that yielded significant results. Eight individuals were arrested for possession of drugs, underscoring the department’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and related crime in the area.

“These operations are part of ongoing efforts by the department to maintain law and order in the City of Tshwane and will continue throughout the year,” Mahamba said.

The TMPD’s cable theft unit also embarked on an anti-crime operation in Klerksoord, Akasia, arresting a man for possession of stolen property following a tip-off regarding a suspicious scrap yard involved in dealing with pilfered copper cables.

Mahamba said: “TMPD officers swiftly responded to information received and conducted a thorough search of the mentioned property, discovering a significant amount of copper cable for which the owner could not provide a valid explanation.” 

In a joint operation with other law enforcement agencies, TMPD officers swept through Lyttelton, Centurion, netting eight arrests for drug possession. 

In a separate operation, TMPD Regional Policing members in Winternest arrested 13 foreign nationals in Soshanguve for violating the Immigration Act and detained them at local police stations pending court appearances. 

Acting Chief of Police, Deputy Commissioner Revo Spies, praised the officers involved, commending their dedication and hard work in enforcing the law.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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