Police officer body searching the suspect
Twenty- illegal firearms were recovered and 1980 suspects arrested as part of heightened Safer Festive Season operations conducted between 25 – 31 December 2023 across Limpopo province.
Five suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and police confiscated 20 firearms and 490 ammunition. Moreover, 10 stolen motor vehicles were recovered.
According to the police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a total of 207 suspects were arrested for assault GBH, 122 for assault common, eight for murder, five for attempted murder, 48 for robberies, 15 for rape, 337 undocumented immigrants among other serious crimes.
Meanwhile, some suspects were arrested for illegal mining activities in various districts during the week under review.
Police were also focusing on alcohol abuse, which is the main generator of crime especially contact crimes wherein, 2 952 compliance inspections were carried out at liquor outlets, 208 at second-hand goods and 33 shebeens were closed down. In addition, 592 people were arrested for drinking in public, 24 for driving under the influence of liquor and 52 suspects for illegally trading in liquor.
Fifty-eight suspects were charged for drug related crimes and police seized various drugs that include crack cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, cat and dagga. A total of 6 077 counterfeit cigarette sticks and 1229682.5ml liquor were also confiscated.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is elated with the successes achieved and praised all the role players that participated during the heightened Festive Season operations.
She further urged the members to keep up with the momentum even beyond the festive season.
Some of the suspects have started to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts across the province.