Arrest of 249 suspects in crackdowns

MORE than 100 police-led clampdowns throughout the Eastern Cape at the weekend led to the arrest of 249 suspects.

The arrests are for crimes ranging from burglaries to drugs, unlicensed firearms and ammunition possession and theft.

Provincial police spokeswpman Brigadier Marinda Mills yesterday said burglaries at businesses were a growing concern.

In one instance, stolen household appliances were found at a house in Kwazakhele.

“Police found 18 Defy household products, which included refrigerators, chest freezers, toploader washing machines, ovens and dishwashers with an estimated value of R150 000,” she said.

In Uitenhage, three men were arrested in possession of stolen electronic equipment.

“Police received a call of a burglary in progress at a business in Market Street, Uitenhage.

“They found three suspects hiding behind a chimney on a roof of a business.”

They had entertainment and computer equipment on them.

“The electronic equipment belonging to the business, worth more than R10 000, was recovered,” Mills said.

In another raid, police recovered 28 batteries, with a value of R168 000, allegedly stolen from a cellphone tower in Motherwell.

The batteries were traced to a house in Kwazakhele and two men had appeared in court, she said.