Johannesburg: The Police in Johannesburg District have arrested about 293 suspects during Safer Festive Season Operations from 02 January 2025 to 05 January 2025. The Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Molefi Tsotsotso, joined by other law enforcement agencies, led Operation Shanela, which was held around Lenasia South, Sophiatown, Dobsonville, and Sandringham policing precinct.
According to South African Police Service, 44 suspects were arrested during operations held around Sophiatown and Lenasia South on 02 January 2025 for different crimes including pointing of firearm, possession of drugs, possession of dangerous weapons, employing undocumented persons, drinking alcohol in public, drunk and driving, and malicious damage to property.
The detectives also apprehended 199 suspects for different crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, house robbery, business robbery, armed robbery, robbery with weapon other than a firearm, pointing of firearm, possession of unlicensed firearm, and assault with intention to do grievous bodily harm.
During operations held around Dobsonville and Sandringham from Saturday, 04 January 2025 to the early hours of Sunday, 05 January 2025, 50 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from possession of drugs, illegal possession of gambling machine, dealing in liquor without a license, and undocumented persons. The police also managed to confiscate a vehicle in Dobsonville suspected to be linked to a house robbery that took place in Krugersdorp. A plasma TV was also recovered.
The arrested suspects will appear at various magistrate courts soon. Brigadier Molefi Tsotsotso applauded all stakeholders and members for ensuring that there are more boots on the ground and that the community of Johannesburg are and feel safe this festive season.