Police in Gauteng are heightening visibility and have intensified crime prevention and road safety operations as the Easter long weekend looms.

Acting Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Major General Tommy Mthombeni led the O Kae Molao Operations in Springs, Ekurhuleni on Saturday evening, where police picked up more than 40 drivers who were under the influence of alcohol at a roadblock at Welgedacht Road. 

The multi-disciplinary law enforcement team proceeded from the roadblock to Springs CBD where four liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance with the Gauteng Liquor Board regulations as well as for operating past the curfew. Police also observed with concern how patrons at these liquor outlets were in complete disregard for the COVID-19 health protocols as there was no social distancing and majority of the patrons not wearing facial masks. The owners of these liquor outlets were arrested and charged with contravention of the National Disaster Management Act, amongst other offences.

This brought to total 324 suspects arrested in Ekurhuleni District for varying crimes that include assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, assault common related to domestic violence, interfering with police duties, murder, attempted murder, rape, possession and dealing in drugs, possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of hijacked motor vehicle.

Parallel operations were conducted in other districts where over 785 suspects were arrested for various crimes.

One hundred and ninety suspects were arrested in the West Rand for offences that include murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, business robbery, possession of stolen motor vehicle, possession of stolen property and driving while under the influence liquor.

Meanwhile, more than 400 suspects were nabbed by police in Tshwane a range of crimes such as business burglary, possession of suspected stolen property, robbery, kidnapping and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Operations also took place in Johannesburg and Sedibeng where more than 190 suspects were arrested for house breaking and theft, assaults related to domestic violence, possession of drugs, dealing in liquor without license and possession of suspected stolen properties.