Anti-crime operation nets 12 suspects

Twelve people were arrested during a seven-hour operation in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas at the weekend.

The action, Operation Basadi, was led by provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga.

The national operation, part of Operation Fiela, aims to join all law enforcement agencies, including metro police and traffic agencies, as part of a gender-based clampdown on violent crime.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the operation led to the arrest of seven wanted people.

These included one for armed robbery, three for rape and three for attempted murder, she said.

“Road blocks, raids on drug hot spots [and] several stopand-search operations were held during the operation.”

The operation, falling in Women’s Month, was spearheaded mainly by women.

Other suspects were arrested for possession of drugs and drunk driving.

A rifle, a handgun and a toy gun were also confiscated.

Ntshinga, flanked by Metro Police chief Yolande Faro and other senior police, did a foot patrol in gang-ridden Helenvale, where they spoke to concerned residents.

All 12 people arrested appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Monday. –