Four thousand train commuters were arrested for various offences during a month-long operation, mainly by police reservists in the Gauteng Metrorail system, police said on Wednesday.
Superintendent Mary Martins-Engelbrecht said: ”Several people were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, armed robbery, theft, pointing of firearms and assault GBH [with intent to do grievous bodily harm]. Others were also linked to outstanding cases through the Morpho Touch [fingerprint scanning] service.”
The operation was preceded by numerous reports of violence and other crimes on trains in the province.
Martins-Engelbrecht said the operation showed how great an impact crimes committed on trains can have on the crime statistics of the province.
”… we believe that by addressing this area of concern, we are addressing a major part of our overall focus area in the province’s crime situation.”
The operation was conducted jointly with Metrorail, Spoornet, Shosholoza Meyl and in three other provinces.
Large quantities of drugs, copper cable, house-breaking tools, suspected stolen goods, 2 300 litres of liquor and nine fire arms were confiscated. — Sapa