Staff Reporter.
Police in Gauteng arrested more than 400 suspects for various crimes in Alexandra, Diepkloof and Hillbrow on Friday evening.
“About 380 of the arrested suspects were foreign nationals suspected to be in the country illegally and they were handed over to immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs for further processing and verification of their status in the country,” says Gauteng police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.
“In Alexandra, a total of 167 suspects were arrested while 179 suspects were arrested in Diepkloof and 70 in Hillbrow during the blitz Operation Restore intervention.
“Suspects were arrested for various crimes that include possession of drugs, possession of live ammunition, possession of counterfeit money, dealing in liquor without license, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, and violation of road traffic regulations.
“Different types of drugs, liquor, counterfeit cigarettes and live ammunition were confiscated during the operations.
Meanwhile, the six suspect arrested earlier in the week for public violence in Alexanda remain in custody pending their bail application on 17 March.
“A seventh suspect, who was found in possession of a toy gun is yet to appear before court,” said Netshiunda.
“While the situation has been stabilised and remains calm, police will continue to maintain high visibility.”
In recent months, calls for the government to prioritise South Africans, especially regarding jobs, have been growing even outside the Operation Dudula movements. As the anti-migrant sentiments grow, the government has reacted by cancelling the Zimbabwe Exemption Permits, granting holders a 12-month grace period that expires on 31 December.
Some groups such as the ATDF have called for the grace period to be abolished.
The groups have denied that they are xenophobic and have insisted they are merely putting South Africans first.