South African Police arrest over 75,000 criminals in yuletide operations

The South African police have arrested more than 75,000 people in the ongoing festive season anti-crime operations on the eve of Christmas Day.

Police Minister Bheki Cele explained that the police had rolled out a seasonal operational plan to tackle provincial crime patterns.

Beki Cele stressed that the operation which started October 15 had yielded positive results with 408 suspects who attempted to break into business properties getting arrested.

Also, 561 people found in possession of firearms and ammunition have been detained by the SA Police as part of efforts to rid the country of criminals and their activities.

“Since October 15 to date, police have arrested over 75,000 suspects for various crimes. This includes 560 murder suspects; 604 suspects have been charged with attempted murder; 470 rape suspects have been taken off our streets; 6,700 assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm suspects and almost five thousand alleged assaulters have been arrested for common assault,” said Cele.

“During this time, over 11,000 undocumented individuals have been arrested and efforts to deport them out of the country are underway,” said the minister.

“While it is appreciated that the festive season is a time for enjoyment and festivities, it remains very alarming that some motorists still choose to drink and drive. Police have arrested 4,488 drunk drivers since the 15th of October. Since the start of December, 2,500 people have been arrested for public drinking across the country.”

Police have also arrested 850 people for “being drunk and disorderly” in a public place.

“Police are acting hard on the abuse of liquor, which remains a core driver of crime, especially contact crimes. We are giving a stern warning to those who are stubbornly opting to trade liquor illegally; that their liquor establishment will be shut down and the liquor will be confiscated and they as owners of those establishments will be arrested.”

Police also recorded tremendous achievement in different provinces across South Africa.

The minister appealed to South Africans to come forward with useful information to help the police in the fight against the common enemies.