A WHEELCHAIR-bound man, believed to be the kingpin of a cellphone theft syndicate, was arrested during a crime blitz in Hillbrow on Saturday night, Gauteng police said.
Inspector Dennis Adriao said on Sunday the police had been searching for the man for a while. He is allegedly responsible for cellphone theft in Hillbrow and surrounding areas.
”We arrested him after receiving a tip-off from the public. When the police led him out of the building, bystanders started cheering,” Adriao said.
During the operation, five people were arrested for robbery and another four for attempted murder. A Nigerian was also arrested for drug dealing and 63 illegal immigrants were arrested.
Five women were arrested for prostitution and two people for drinking in public. Police seized three heroin rocks, five cocaine rocks, six ecstasy tablets, one stolen cellphone, 83 dagga sticks and one dagga bag.
Another four people were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and 26 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. – Sapa