Police in the Free State including other security structures, SADF, Metro/Traffic, Metro Rail Security, National and Provincial Traffic, Custom Officials, Private Security, DOH, DHA, DOJ, DOL and SARS embarked on a multidisciplinary approach operations from the 19 to the 25 May 2021, tracing wanted suspects, conducting roadblocks and stop and search operations in a quest to bring down the volume of serious and violent crime in the Province.
During these operations, a total number of 183 suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder, rape, Gender Based Violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, assault common and sexual offences.
Fourteen (14) others were arrested for robbery whilst a combined number of 87 was arrested for property related crimes including 33 for liquor related crimes and 56 on drug related charges.
During this crime combating clamp down operation 5 firearms including 89 ammunition and 31 dangerous weapons were confiscated. These firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to determine if they were not used in the commission of other crimes. 2 stolen vehicles were also recovered.
A total number of 1094, J534 fines were issued. Drugs and liquor was also amongst the confiscated products. All suspects will all appear at various Magistrate’s courts in the province.
Further investigations will also be conducted to establish possible linkage of the suspects to other crimes.
“The removal of one illegal firearm from the hands of the criminals and confiscation of drugs will save many lives”, said Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lt. Gen Baile Motswenyane.
