The Police in Limpopo arrested a total of 433 suspects for various crimes during special operations conducted over the weekend.
The most arrests were made for contact crimes, which includes assault and murder, where 122 suspects were arrested. Although more than happy and satisfied with these arrests, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in the province, Lt Gen SF Masemola expressed his concern with the high number of assaults. “Most of the assault cases are being reported after people get involved in arguments over trivial matters after consuming alcohol” he said.
A total of 46 people were also arrested for driving under the influence of liquor, and a further 50 for drinking in public. “The consumption of alcohol is a serious concern for the Police as the misuse of alcohol usually leads to the commitment of a criminal act and we are appealing to members of the community to act responsibly and refrain from overindulging.”
During the arrests, police members confiscated 17 pieces of dangerous weapons, including knives, okapi’s and panga’s. Fourteen suspects were arrested on charges of housebreaking and theft and nine suspects for rape.
The Provincial Commissioner stressed that these type of operations will be intensified during the coming months leading up to the festive season operations towards the end of the year and requested the assistance of the public. “Should you have any type of information about criminal activities taking place in your community, or have information about where suspects might be hiding, please contact the nearest police station with the information or make use of our toll free crime line at 08600 10111,” he said.
For enquiries please contact:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
