A provincial crime prevention and combating operation has led to the arrests of 167 suspected criminals between Thursday and Saturday.
The suspects were nabbed in different parts of North West for offences ranging from burglary, driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of ammunition, among others.
Taking part in the operation were various law-enforcement agencies including the police, provincial traffic department, home affairs, the department of community safety, private security companies, and the community policing forum.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “The operation also led to the issuing of fines for contraventions of Second-Hand Goods Act. In addition, the police confiscated a variety of drugs, illegal cigarettes and two vehicles, among others.”
Among those arrested was a 28-year-old man who was nabbed by the trio task team in Mmakau outside Brits.
“During the search, a 9mm firearm and ammunition was found hidden in a room. Thus, he was arrested and is expected to appear before the Brits magistrate’s court on Monday facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said Mokgwabone.
Other suspects are also expected to appear in various courts across the province.
In a separate incident, a 22-year-old Ethiopian national and tuckshop owner was arrested for illegal possession of ammunition.
“The suspect was arrested in Extension 7 after members of the Klerksdorp tactical response team followed up on information regarding illegal possession of ammunition.
“The suspect was ultimately arrested after 15 ammunition were found in his shop. He is expected to appear in the Orkney magistrate’s court on Monday.”
Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena, provincial police commissioner, has lauded a job well done by members of the police in a bid to ensure a safe environment.
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