Tshwane Metro Police Department targeted cable theft and unroadworthy scholar transport during its anti-crime operation.
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In a bid to curb crime and lawlessness, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) targeted cable theft and unroadworthy scholar transport during its anti-crime operation, resulting in several arrests and the impoundment of over 40 scholar transport vehicles.
TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba said the metro police's taxi unit conducted a week-long road safety operation targeting scholar transport across the municipality until Friday.
He said the operation aimed to ensure learner safety and public transport operator compliance.
"During the operation more than 43 scholar transport vehicles including buses were found to be in a condition that posed a direct threat to the safety of the children being transported and some operators failed to produce the necessary documents required to operate as scholar transport," Mahamba said.
He said the TMPD would maintain a constant presence on the roads to deter non-compliance, and urged parents to verify that scholar transport services meet safety regulations and are properly licensed.
In a separate operation, TMPD's cable theft unit arrested a man in Centurion for possessing stolen copper cables after spotting him cutting an electrical cable next to a substation box. Officers had been deployed to the area as part of a targeted operation.
Mahamba said the suspect could not explain his actions when questioned and was arrested on the spot.
"The TMPD encourages residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to cable theft or other crimes to their nearest TMPD regional police offices or at 012 358 7095/7096," he said.
He also reported that TMPD in Cullinan arrested a male suspect for possessing a stolen vehicle following a high-speed chase on the R573 Moloto Road on Saturday.
He said officers on routine patrol near De Wagensdrift initiated a chase after spotting a speeding vehicle. The pursuit ended at Sun City in KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga.
"Upon stopping the vehicle, officers discovered that it had been reported stolen in Alexandra, Gauteng. The driver resisted arrest aggressively, prompting the tactical and quick action of the officers. The suspect was contained and arrested without any incident," Mahamba said.
The suspect was transported back to Gauteng, where the offences were committed, and now faces multiple charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting arrest, and reckless driving.
Chief of Metro Police Yolande Faro applauded the officers involved for their dedication and professionalism and said the TMPD will continue to conduct visible policing patrols to combat vehicle theft and other criminal activities in the city.
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