Media Statement from Gauteng Media Centre
Corporate Communication and Liaison
South African Police Service

A policeman was among more that 700 suspects arrested over the weekend for various crimes including hijacking of vehicles and trucks, possesssion of unlicensed firearms, possession of suspected stolen goods, murder, possession of drugs and driving under the influence of alcohol. Police also closed nine liquor outlets (shebeens) in Olifantsfaontein and Pretoria West. All the arrested suspects are expected to appear at the various Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Following the theft of a motorvehicle at Pretoria West on the 20th December 2017, police and members of the Tshwane Metro Police followed a signal and found a stolen vehicle at the policeman’s house, a Constable from Sinoville. He was arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, a VW Polo. He remains in custody and will appear at the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 27 December 2017.

Other arrests effected  includes the following :

• Three suspects arrested for possession of stolen truck and goods worth about R4 million. The truck that was destined for Zambia was hijacked in Sinoville and the suspects were arrested near Phumlani Toll Plaza during a stop and search operation
• One hundred and seven suspects arrested for being  under the influence of intoxicating substances (liquor or drugs).
• Seventy-seven suspects arrested for being in possession of drugs  including dagga.
• Thirteen suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms.

In Thembisa a 24-year-old man was handed over to the police by his family for a case of murder. He allegedly stabbed another man with a knife following an argument  on Friday night.  A murder weapon was found at the scene.

“As police in Gauteng are continuing to deal with violent crimes, the operations will be re-inforced  by new Constables  expected to start their duties this week.  I will personally welcome these Constables and they will form part of the safer festive season operations. They will be deployed in all major shopping malls, roadblocks  and foot patrols”, says the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Deliwe De Lange.

 -Ends-

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