Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
As part of efforts to create a safer South Africa, police operations in the Northern Cape have resulted in the arrest of 250 suspects for various offences. “These multi-disciplinary operations stamped the authority of the state by intensifying crime prevention and combating activities,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
The offences include contact crimes, property-related crimes, and crimes detected through police action, with detectives also tracing several wanted suspects. During the course of last week, police stopped and searched 2 809 vehicles and conducted searches on 6 584 individuals during roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search operations.
“Compliance inspections were carried out at formal and informal businesses, scrapyards, liquor outlets, second-hand dealerships, mines, and farms. Several non-compliant liquor outlets were shut down. Items believed to have been used in the commission of crimes were seized, including alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellphones, dangerous weapons, drugs, vehicle parts, accessories and vehicles.” the police said.
The SAPS added that focused community awareness campaigns and engagements, aimed at addressing trending crimes and strengthening partnerships with communities, are continuing. Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, commended the collective efforts of law enforcement agencies, government departments, Community Police Forum structures and SAPS members for their dedication in the fight against crime.