Operation Vulindlela, an exercise involving various police units aimed at ending taxi violence in the OR Tambo region, netted 37 suspects for various offences including illegal possession of firearms, stolen vehicles and traffic violations.
The operation follows the death of 14 people since April believed to have been killed to taxi violence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela yesterday said the people arrested on Monday would appear in various courts this week.
"A total of 52 vehicles were impounded and five others were suspended on the road because they have some serious defects," said Fatyela.
He said among the 37 people arrested, two were found in possession of two illegal firearms and three other people for having fake drivers' licences.
"The firearms are to be sent for ballistic tests to see if they can be linked to any crime," said Fatyela.
He said two stolen vehicles were recovered and the occupants arrested.
"We are here to sweep clean Mthatha and restore the dignity of the town," said Fatyela, adding that the operation would continue, without giving exact details.
He said police had raided taxi ranks, manned roadblocks and searched vehicles in the streets of Mthatha and other major roads.
Fatyela said that 160 police officers had been deployed to hot spots as part of Operation Vulindlela, which started on Monday.
Units taking part include the National Intervention Unit, tactical response team, public order policing, crime intelligence, provincial traffic, King Sabata Dalindyebo law enforcement and Nyandeni traffic3 officers.
The operation was welcomed by residents.
"Each time you go to work and take a taxi you pray that you come back still alive," said Xoliswa Ndodi who commutes daily between Mthatha and Libode.
"The high police visibility needs to be a daily thing, not just occasional and this needs to be done throughout the night too."
Police appealed to the community to work with the SAPS to reduce crime. Members of the public are urged to share information by using the SAPS toll free number 10111 or call Fatyela on 0827797275.
Anti-crime action bears fruit
Operation Vulindlela, an exercise involving various police units aimed at ending taxi violence in the OR Tambo region, netted 37 suspects for various offences including illegal possession of firearms, stolen vehicles and traffic violations.
The operation follows the death of 14 people since April believed to have been killed to taxi violence.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela yesterday said the people arrested on Monday would appear in various courts this week.
"A total of 52 vehicles were impounded and five others were suspended on the road because they have some serious defects," said Fatyela.
He said among the 37 people arrested, two were found in possession of two illegal firearms and three other people for having fake drivers' licences.
"The firearms are to be sent for ballistic tests to see if they can be linked to any crime," said Fatyela.
He said two stolen vehicles were recovered and the occupants arrested.
"We are here to sweep clean Mthatha and restore the dignity of the town," said Fatyela, adding that the operation would continue, without giving exact details.
He said police had raided taxi ranks, manned roadblocks and searched vehicles in the streets of Mthatha and other major roads.
Fatyela said that 160 police officers had been deployed to hot spots as part of Operation Vulindlela, which started on Monday.
Units taking part include the National Intervention Unit, tactical response team, public order policing, crime intelligence, provincial traffic, King Sabata Dalindyebo law enforcement and Nyandeni traffic3 officers.
The operation was welcomed by residents.
"Each time you go to work and take a taxi you pray that you come back still alive," said Xoliswa Ndodi who commutes daily between Mthatha and Libode.
"The high police visibility needs to be a daily thing, not just occasional and this needs to be done throughout the night too."
Police appealed to the community to work with the SAPS to reduce crime. Members of the public are urged to share information by using the SAPS toll free number 10111 or call Fatyela on 0827797275.
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