Image via: Shutterstock
Over 500 arrested in Free State ongoing blitz
Out of the over 500 arrests, 267 people were arrested for Contact Crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and rape.
Image via: Shutterstock
A multi-disciplinary blitz in the Free State province saw over 500 people being arrested for different crimes.
267 ARRESTED FOR CONTACT CRIMES
Police spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said between 23 February and 1 March, ongoing operations were held throughout the province.
“Suspects were arrested, stolen properties recovered and drugs removed from our communities.”
267 people were arrested for Contact Crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and rape.
Nine people were arrested for robberies, 78 for property-related crimes, 90 for liquor-related crimes, and 145 for drug-related crimes.
Kareli said drugs such as dagga, nyaope, khat, mandrax, and crystal meth were confiscated during the process.
“Four firearms and 104 ammunition pieces were recovered and eight suspected stolen vehicles were confiscated.”
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“936 liquor outlets were visited for compliance including 157 second-hand goods shops.”
Kareli said 1234 fines were issued for contravention of the national roads traffic act, contravention of the liquor Act, and non-compliance.
All 589 suspects will appear in the different magistrate courts on different charges.
In other Free State news, police have warned hitch-hikers after several kidnappings of people seeking lifts from motorists.
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said hitch-hikers were being targeted, kidnapped and ransoms demanded from relatives of the targets.
SEVERAL KIDNAPPING CASES
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng the Free State Organized Crime and Crime Intelligence were following every lead to trace these kidnappers.
Thakeng said several incidents of kidnapping cases were registered throughout Lejweleputswa District police stations, where hikers are given lifts and kidnapped along the way.
“These kidnappers are usually three African males speaking Zulu and Sotho.”
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He said when the victim has been kidnapped the kidnappers would then demand ransom money which then must be paid in the victim’s bank account.
Hikers are sternly warned to avoid the following hiking spots:
Joel mine adjacent to Beatrix mine
Allanridge hiking spot in R30 National road
Jazz Corner Odendaalsrus
Harmony Mine Saaiplaas Virginia
Mannys in Welkom towards Bloemfontein road.
