KEY POINTS
- Six men were arrested in Mamelodi for attempted murder, drug dealing, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, following a tip-off from the community.
- Police seized drugs, including Nyaope and cocaine, worth R10,500, and arrested two more suspects in Mahube for illegal firearm possession.
- The District Commissioner of Tshwane commended the police for their efforts and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in fighting crime.
In a related development, two additional suspects were arrested in Mahube, another township in the Tshwane district, after being found in possession of a 9mm pistol, a rifle holder, and 216 rounds of live shotgun ammunition.
This seizure underscores the widespread issue of illegal firearms in the region, which are often linked to violent crimes such as armed robberies and murders. The arrests in Mahube were part of the same coordinated effort to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
The District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, praised the officers involved in the operation for their dedication and effectiveness. “These arrests demonstrate the SAPS’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. We will continue to work tirelessly to root out crime and bring perpetrators to justice,” he said. Major-General Thine also emphasized the importance of community involvement in reporting criminal activities, noting that the success of the operation was largely due to the information provided by residents.
The arrests come amid growing concerns about drug-related crimes and gang violence in Mamelodi and surrounding areas. Nyaope, in particular, has been a scourge on communities, destroying lives and fueling petty and violent crimes.
The police have vowed to intensify their efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, which are often interconnected.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon, where they will face multiple charges. The SAPS has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that further arrests and seizures are possible as they continue to target criminal networks.
Community leaders have welcomed the arrests but have called for sustained efforts to address the root causes of crime, such as unemployment and poverty, which drive many young people into illegal activities.
