POLICE have arrested 1 204 suspects during the safer festive season operations, especially during the Christmas weekend.
The suspects were arrested across Limpopo's five districts for crimes including murder, attempted murder, robbery, rape, assault, sexual assault, burglary, theft, public drinking, driving under the influence of liquor and drug-related crimes.
Boosted by the availability of newly recruited constables, more ground was covered, seeing 478 suspects arrested for public drinking and 24 for driving under the influence of alcohol. Then 10 were arrested for transgressions in terms of the Domestic Violence Act and 235 foreign nationals for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the determination of the police to deal with criminal acts during these operations yielded positive results.
Mojapelo told Daily Sun that during operations, police recovered seven firearms, 31 live rounds of ammunition, two stolen cars and drugs.
"The arrested suspects will soon appear before different courts while operations continue," he said.
Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has commended officers for their determination in ridding the province of criminality, and ensuring that residents and visitors celebrated Christmas in a crime-free environment.
"As celebrations of the new year fast approach, our members will be more determined to deal with any form of criminality. We appeal to all communities to celebrate responsibly and desist from abusing alcohol," she said.
