Over 50 000 people were arrested for various crimes during the police operation Crackdown in the month of April in Pretoria, police reported on Thursday.
Among the arrests were 2 201 for robbery, 359 for murder, 728 for rape and 340 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, area commissioner Amon Mashigo said in a statement.
The operation, which consisted of over 20 000 roadblocks, saw over 50 000 vehicles and premises searched, as well as the closure of about 25 illegal liquor outlets.
At least 387 stolen and hijacked vehicles, 1 900 firearms, 19 513 ammunition, 277 mandrax tablets and 258 cocaine rocks were confiscated. Police also recovered over 2 000 stolen goods.
”The success of this operation is largely because of the commitment and dedication of our members who showed a sense of responsibility during the raids.
”Credit must also be directed to the members of the community for their support and involvement,” Mashigo said. – Sapa