GAUTENG cops bust over 1 460 suspects this weekend.
Suspects were found to have committed various offences including hijacking, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault, possession of unlicensed firearms, drug dealing, driving under the influence, armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.
Four suspects who allegedly belong to a gang responsible for hijackings and armed robberies in the south of Joburg were also bust.
Police have been searching for them after cases of hijacking and robbery of bank cards were reported in Lenasia, Ennerdale, De Deur and Orange Farm.
Crime intelligence, the police and Metro cops searched for the suspects until four of them were bust in Lenasia this weekend.
They will be appearing in the Lenasia Magistrates Court on Monday, 10 January on charges of hijacking and armed robbery.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said 265 suspects were bust in the Joburg district for serious and violent crimes.
“Police pounced on illegal miners in Florida and arrested suspects also found to be illegal immigrants.”
He said illegal mining equipment, including picks, shovels and gold-bearing material were seized.
“Over 565 suspects were nabbed in Tshwane during crime prevention operations starting with the O Kae Molao Operation, led by Gauteng commissioner Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela on Friday.
“These suspects were arrested during roadblocks, raiding of illegal liquor outlets, tracing of wanted suspects, as well as stop and search operations.”
He said joint intelligence-driven operations led to the arrest of 340 suspects in Ekurhuleni for assault, robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, rape, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and of drugs.
“Operations on the West Rand from Friday, 7 January, led to the arrest of 217 suspects.
“These integrated and intelligence-driven operations included roadblocks on national and provincial roads.”
Masondo said a suspect was bust after being found in possession of a white Toyota Corolla reported to have been stolen in Kagiso, Mogale City.
“Other suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, hijacking, business and house robbery, theft, rape and driving while under the influence.”
He said operations in Sedibeng saw the arrest of 77 people.
“Suspects were arrested for possession of stolen property, housebreaking, theft, dealing in drugs, rape and attempted murder.”
The arrested suspects will appear in various Gauteng magistrate courts from Monday, 10 January.