South Africa: The determination of the South African Police Service in Limpopo to deal with criminality during the Safer Festive Season Operations, especially during the Christmas long weekend, yielded positive results following the arrest of one thousand two hundred and four (1204) suspects on various charges.
The suspects were arrested during the heightened operations that were conducted around the Province from Friday, 23, to Tuesday, December 27 2022.
The suspects were arrested for various offences that included murder, attempted murder, robberies, rapes, assaults, sexual assaults, burglaries, thefts, public drinking, and driving under the influence of liquor drug related crimes. Boosted by the availability of additional new Constables, more ground was covered and saw 478 persons were arrested for public drinking and 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Ten (10) suspects were arrested for transgressions in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, and 235 were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act (undocumented foreign nationals).
During these Operations, the Police recovered seven (07) firearms, thirty one live rounds of ammunition, two stolen motor vehicles as well as drugs.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the members for their determination to rid this Province of criminality during this period and ensuring that the people of Limpopo and all the visitors celebrated the Christmas festivities in crime free environment.
“As the celebrations of the new year are fast approaching, our members will be more ready and determined to deal with any form of criminality. We appeal to all our communities to celebrate responsibly and desist from abusing alcohol”, concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The arrested suspects will appear in different courts across the Province. The Safer Festive Season Operations are continuing in the Province.