The ongoing high-density law enforcement operation between Monday 22 July and Sunday 28 July 2024 resulted in the arrest and detention of 238 undocumented persons amongst 634 arrests for various offenses as the South African Police Service (SAPS) together with other law enforcement agencies continues its crime crackdown.
During the arrests, eight suspects deemed “most wanted” were apprehended by the Detectives and Tracking Teams for offenses such as murder, rape, house and business robberies. An Additional 23 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons and three male suspects for illegal mining activities.
Further significant arrests include 11 for malicious damage to property, eight suspects for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 12 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and 26 for possession and dealing in drugs.
During the arrests, police confiscated a total of 34.5 Litres of alcoholic beverages, 71 packets of illicit cigarettes, 20 dangerous weapons, 7.776 kg of dagga, furniture items, 24 g of methamphetamine, a cell phone, 10 rounds of ammunition, .16g of nyaope, a motor vehicle and a significant quantity of cash.
Some of those arrested have already appeared before their relevant Magistrate’s courts throughout the province.
The Provincial Police Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the commitment and dedication being displayed by the men and women under his command, for their policing and investigation of criminal activities in Limpopo province.
The challenges police face in carrying out their duties was highlighted by an incident on 16 July in Mankweng, Capricorn district of Limpopo, when officers busy tracing suspects dealing in drugs were ambushed by a group of suspects who threw stones and assaulted them.
Thirteen foreign national men were arrested for cases of attempted murder and assault with grievous bodily harm. The suspects, aged between 20 and 42 years, were all arrested in Unit F, Mankweng by the members of Provincial Organised Crime Unit and Tactical Response Team, during an operation conducted on Tuesday 30 July.
“We will not tolerate such brazen acts of violence against our police officers. The suspects will face the full might of the law,” said Hadebe.
