A sting operation led by the MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, together with the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was carried out at Elukwatini, Standerton and Hazyview, on ‘Overall Friday’. The operation saw about twenty eight suspects being arrested over the weekend.

The focus was also directed to contact crimes. The suspects will be appearing in various courts across the province. As a result, three suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

One suspect was arrested for dealing in dagga while two were arrested for possession of drugs. Two suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, three were arrested for contravention of the liquor act, and ten suspects were arrested for drinking in public.

Four suspects were arrested for property related crimes. Of the four, one was arrested for malicious damage to property, one arrested for housebreaking, one was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, and another suspect arrested for theft. One undocumented immigrant was also arrested.

Meanwhile some of the suspects that were arrested in Hazyview are facing charges of rape, common robbery, dealing in dagga, violation of a Protection Order, possession of suspected drugs, shoplifting, possession of suspected stolen properties, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Traffic related fines to the value of about R6000 were issued to three motorists.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further appreciated the unwavering moral support from MEC Vusi Shongwe in issues of crime. The General further hailed all law enforcement agencies for their continuous resilience when executing duties during operations.