NELSPRUIT - The High Density Intelligence Driven Operation: Operation Thunderstorm, comprising of multiple forces including among others, members from Visible Policing (Tactical Response Team, K9 Unit, Public Order Policing, Mounted Unit), Crime Intelligence, Vehicle Identification Service, Local Criminal Record Centre, Detective Service, Support Services as well as other external stakeholders from the security sector, such as Home Affairs, Transport Inspectorate, Disaster Management, Environmental Health and Traffic Management continues to yield positive results.

The operation which was conducted from November 3 - 6, within the KwaMhlanga, Acornhoek and Tonga Clusters, netted 293 people and had numerous stolen items seized.

In the KwaMhlanga Cluster only, 122 people were arrested of which 12 were nabbed at Siyabuswa, 42 at Kwaggafontein, 10 at Mmamethlake, six at Vaalbank and 27 at Tweefontein. 

A total of 104 people were netted in the Acornhoek Cluster: 15 from Mhala, 17 from Calcutta, 19 from Acornhoek, 26 from Bushbuckridge, 22 from Hazyview, four from Sabie and one from Lydenburg.

Another 67 people were netted in the Tonga Cluster of which 43 were arrested in Tonga, Schoemansdal and Komatipoort had nine each, Low’s Creek and Mbuzini arrested one suspect each.

The 293 people netted from the three clusters, were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, rape, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, robberies, possession of stolen property, burglary, drug and liquor related crimes and included other wanted suspects.

The teams further issued a total of 207 fines for violation of the Road Traffic Act, seizing 136 693.98 grams of dagga as well as 127 933 milliliters of liquor. They also closed down six liquor outlets which were not in compliance with the Liquor Act and operating without licences.

The same operation saw 201 people arrested for different violations when it was held in the Pienaar Cluster in July 2016, as well as 37 people in KwaMhlanga during August this year. Operation Thunderstorm has now netted a total of 532 since it started. 

On Monday, the 293 arrested people appeared before the different Magistrates’ Courts under the three Clusters.

Police Management is elated about the determined manner in which the members are carrying out Operation Thunderstorm. In the same breath, they appreciate the involvement and effective participation of other departments and role players.

Submitted by: Sgt Sedibe / SAPS Office of the Provincial Commissioner, MP Province
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