By: Prudence Nhavingo
On the 27th of August, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Drug Unit conducted a drug operation in the Hammanskraal area, targeting known drug hotspots to clamp down on drug dealers. During the operation, four African males were found in possession of heroin and were arrested for dealing in and possession of drugs with an estimated value of R12,000.
The next stop in the operation was in Karenpark, north of Tshwane, where a 39-year-old Nigerian drug dealer was arrested for dealing in and possession of drugs after being found with crystal meth and crack cocaine valued at approximately R45,000.
Additionally, the TMPD conducted a by-law operation in Refilwe, Bronkhorstspruit, where seven illegal immigrants were found and arrested in a spaza shop. The TMPD also conducted patrol duties in the Pretoria CBD after receiving information about a vehicle involved in attempted housebreaking and car theft in the Waverley and East Lynne areas. However, the suspects managed to escape when noticed by a security guard.
As a result, the TMPD searched for the suspects’ car and eventually spotted it on the Ben Schoeman Highway. After a chase, they managed to stop the car on the N1 southbound towards the R101, arresting two occupants for attempted housebreaking and hijacking.
During further questioning, the two suspects confessed to the crimes and led the police to their residence in Tembisa, where 500 mandrax tablets valued at R7,000 were found. Additional suspects were arrested at the scene for dealing in mandrax, attempted housebreaking, attempted hijacking, possession of housebreaking equipment, and possession of a computer box.
The TMPD Cable Theft Unit also conducted patrols on the R101, where they encountered an accident involving a bakkie and a Toyota Tazz. Upon attending to the scene, officers discovered that the bakkie was carrying four rolls of stolen aluminum cables. The drivers of the bakkie fled the scene during the accident due to the presence of the TMPD, knowing they were in possession of stolen goods.
Further investigation revealed that the bakkie had been involved in a crime in 2017, and evidence was booked with the South African Police Service. The investigation is ongoing.
The TMPD has stated that they will leave no stone unturned and will not rest until the City of Tshwane is safe.
