GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Concerted efforts by police in the Eden Cluster and the strategic deployment of integrated forces ensured that 290 suspects were arrested from Friday to Sunday morning at 06:00 (6 to 8 August).
Of the 290 arrests, 222 were for reported crimes committed during the mentioned period for various criminal offences, including contravention of the Disaster Management Act (DMA) Covid-19 regulations.
The operations included high visibility patrols in crime-stricken areas, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations focusing on drug and liquor outlets, illegal firearms, the tracing of wanted suspects and the confiscation of dangerous weapons.
Most of the arrested suspects made their court appearance in the local Magistrate's Court earlier this week once they were charged, while others were released on a warning to appear in court at a later date or paid an admission of guilt fine for DMA transgressions.
Fines to the value of R38 500, mainly for the contravention of the DMA (curfew), were issued to offenders. Members searched a total of 572 vehicles and 1 148 people.
Eden Cluster Commander Major-General Oswald Reddy commended the members for bringing the perpetrators to book, thus preventing the commission of other serious crimes such as murders, robberies, serious assaults, and domestic and gender-based violence.
Western Cape management has lauded the members for their efforts that contributed to a safer weekend.
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