Johannesburg, South Africa (DT) –Deputy Police Minister, Cassel Mathale has announced that more than 34,000 suspects have been arrested across the country since December 16. Amongst those arrested were more than 4,000 suspects wanted for various crimes including murder and rape.
Mathale was speaking during a festive season operation at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, north of Johannesburg.
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“Since the 16th of December to the 29th of December police have arrested more than 34,000 suspects countrywide for various crimes ranging from murder to rape. 4,200 of these suspects were wanted criminals for various crimes including rape, murder and business robberies,” says Mathale. Police in the Northern Cape have arrested some 429 suspects during the weekly Safer Festive Season operations – a continuation of Operation Shanela.
According to a police statement, SA Police Service members arrested the suspects on a range of charges, including illegal possession of uncut diamonds, illicit mining, murder, rape, illegal dealing in liquor, dealing in drugs, undocumented persons, assaults, malicious damage to property, contravention of protection orders, house breaking and theft, theft out of motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Furthermore, a zero-tolerance approach will be taken this New Year’s Eve.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that operations will continue unabatedly during New Year celebrations and beyond.
“She reiterated that a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted and the abuse and misuse of alcohol will not be tolerated. Crimes committed against women and children will be vigorously policed. Authorities will be on high alert at parks, taverns, social gatherings and pleasure resorts,” the statement said.
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