POTCHEFSTROOM: 21 May 2023 - As part of dealing with criminality and bringing down the levels of crime, the High Density Crime Prevention and Combating Operations conducted between Thursday, 18 and Saturday, 20 May 2023, resulted in the arrest of 167 suspects for various offences.
The suspects were arrested at various parts of the province for offences such as burglary, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of ammunition and many others.
In a case in Mmakau, outside Brits, an intelligence driven operation by the Trio Task Team, ended up in a residence in Newtown Section where a 28-year-old man was found. During the search, a 9mm firearm and ammunition were found hidden in a room. Thus, he was arrested and is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 22 May 2023, facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
In another arrest in Kanana near Orkney, a 22-year-old Ethiopian national who is also a tuckshop owner, was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition. The suspect was arrested at Extension 7, after members of the Klerksdorp Tactical Response Team (TRT) followed up on information regarding illegal possession of ammunition. The suspect was ultimately arrested after 15 ammunition were found in his shop. He is expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 22 May 2023.
The operations also led to issuing of fines for Second-Hand Goods Act contraventions. In addition, the police confiscated a variety of drugs, illegal cigarettes and two vehicles, among others.
Meanwhile, the arrested and charged suspects are expected to appear soon in various courts in the province.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all members in the province for their commitment towards ensuring that communities are and feel safe.