TWO hundred and thirty two people were taken by surprise when they were arrested during a police operation dubbed “cul de sac” in the North West’s Mooiriver area in the early hours on Friday, police said. Superintendent Louis Jacobs said the operation, which began at midnight, was launched simultaneously in 27 cities and towns throughout the area. He said Area Commissioner Solly Moloi initiated the operation, which had 330 police officials from different detective branches and the area head office participating. “It served no purpose for the wanted criminals to run from one place to the other because police were everywhere,” he said. Of those arrested, 107 were allegedly involved in violent crimes, and 25 were sought for crimes committed with an economic motive, he said.