Hundreds arrested for various crimes in northern Johannesburg

Gauteng police have arrested hundreds of suspects for various crimes and shut down several unlicensed liquor outlets in Honeydew and Cosmo City in northern Johannesburg.

This follows a weekend Operation Shanela aimed at assisting local police stations to reduce crime.

Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, says these two areas are hotspots for various criminal activities, including hijacking and house robbery.

“The teams were able to arrest 35 undocumented persons who were found at this roadblock. They were also able to arrest people who were found to be driving under the influence of liquor. The team was also able to arrest 1 person who was found in possession of drugs. We were able to close about 12 shebeens, because they were selling liquor in those particular shebeens. The reason why we came to Honeydew and Cosmo City is that these particular areas are having problems with a lot of assaults.”

Operation Shanela is aimed at assisting local police stations in reducing crime.

Road users say they are confident in law enforcement. They say that sustained operations of this nature will contribute to a reduction in crime levels in the province.

“To be honest, I felt safe. You must remember one thing, we are South Africans, so many people come into our country, whereas they are illegal. So when the police are doing this thing, I like it because you feel safe in your own country.”