Police across the country made notable arrests over the weekend, including uncovering illicit cigarettes valued at over R1 million.
A taxi driver with 14 passengers is among 35 people arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol in Carletonville on Saturday night during “Operation Shanela”.
Gauteng police confirmed that more than 30 other suspects were nabbed for crimes including possession of drugs and illegal mining.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni and Deputy Provincial Commissioner Policing Major-General Fred Kekana led the multidisciplinary, high-density operation in Carletonville, west of Johannesburg.
Gauteng SAPS said through thorough investigations, members of the Stabilisation Task Team identified several suspects believed to be involved in online robberies and vehicle hijackings in the northern parts of Tshwane. With all available evidence verified through an observation- and intelligence-driven operation, an operational track-and-trace plan was meticulously prepared and executed.
Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said this operation commenced on Friday night at Jikisi Stand in the Winterveld area.
“The tracing of 11 suspects was carried out with precision, and the unsuspecting individuals were apprehended without resistance or incident. The suspects, consisting of 10 adult males and a minor, were arrested and linked to offences including hijacking and involvement in online robberies within the Winterveld area,” said Masondo.
In a separate incident, members of the Stabilization Team were patrolling on Soutpan Road when a white Honda Ballade sped past them. A high-speed pursuit ensued, during which the team activated their blue lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle. After pulling alongside the speeding car, they successfully forced it to a standstill.
Masondo said the vehicle was approached with tactical precision and thoroughly searched, but no illegal contraband or suspicious items were found. A subsequent check of the vehicle’s registration number revealed that it had not been reported stolen.
However, during a detailed on-scene investigation, the team discovered a service book and owner’s manual. Upon verifying the details, it was found that the engine and chassis numbers had been tampered with and did not correspond to the vehicle.
“Further investigation determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Sinoville earlier this month. The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Ongoing investigations will determine whether the suspect was involved in the theft of the vehicle,” he said.
In a relentless pursuit of suspects involved in transporting illicit cigarettes, members of the Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad intercepted a convoy of five high-powered vehicles loaded with illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million and arrested three suspects on Friday following a high-speed chase.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the chase unfolded on the R519 Bergenek Road towards Zebediela when a black Jeep from Polokwane, fully loaded with illicit cigarettes, failed to stop.
“The Jeep collided with a truck, overturned and the driver, a foreign national, tragically passed away at the scene. The truck driver and passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital. Two additional suspects, a South African and a foreign national, were arrested in a Toyota Rav 4, while a third foreign national suspect was arrested in a white Ford Ranger, both vehicles containing illicit cigarettes,” said Mashaba.
He said the other two vehicles, a white Mercedes-Benz and charcoal Ford Ranger, were recovered at Bergenek village in Westenburg policing area, still loaded with illicit cigarettes.
Mashaba said an unknown number of suspects had fled the scene. All five vehicles, including the one involved in the accident, were seized.
“Cases of culpable homicide and possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes have been opened. The identity of the deceased suspect is still unknown,” said Mashaba.
Three suspects, aged between 38 and 47, are scheduled to appear in the Magatle Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, commended the members for their persistence in ensuring that the suspects were apprehended and the illicit cigarettes recovered.
Hadebe further highlighted the ongoing fight against the smuggling of illicit goods, emphasising the SAPS’ commitment to addressing cross-border crime.
Meanwhile, Operation Shanela produced desired results as three suspects were arrested on Saturday for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and for illegal possession of dagga in Mpumalanga. An additional eight other suspects were nabbed for contravention of the Immigration Act.
The operation was mainly carried out in Ehlanzeni, also covering areas such as Bushbuckridge and Pienaar, to name a few.
Mpumalanga Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said during the operation, two suspects aged 34 and 40, were apprehended for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition at the Shatale and Dwarsloop areas, respectively. Additionally, a 31-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with dealing in dagga in Bushbuckridge.
Mdhluli said the suspects were expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Link: https://x.com/sapoliceservice/status/1827416198981529814?s=46
The Star
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