Three loan sharks, aged 26, 52, and 58, were arrested on Tuesday during a multi-disciplinary crime intelligence-driven operation in Brandvlei, Namakwa District. The operation, NWO ZAK, involved law enforcement agencies, SASSA, and the National Credit Regulator. Officers raided the suspects’ homes, recovering SASSA cards, EFT machines, loan registers, bank cards, and cash. They will appear in court today on charges related to illegal lending.
In Eldorado Park, six Mozambican nationals were arrested for cable theft at a City Power substation. Police, tipped off about the theft, intercepted the suspects, finding stolen cables worth R250,000 in their vehicle. City Power confirmed the cables were theirs. The suspects will soon appear in court. In another incident, two men were severely burned while tampering with cables and are receiving treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.
A surprising twist occurred when a Gauteng police officer handed over his 21-year-old son, who was wanted for a series of ATM bombings in Limpopo. The suspect, involved in multiple bombings in the Vhembe and Mopani districts, allegedly used explosives to steal money from ATMs. After a shootout with police in Sekgosese, the suspects fled, but the police investigation led to the suspect’s identification.
The son was surrendered by his father after law enforcement launched an investigation. The suspect faces charges of malicious damage to property, attempted murder, and reckless driving. He will appear in court today, while a manhunt continues for his accomplices. The case highlights the police’s resolve in apprehending criminals, even when family ties are involved.
These incidents show South Africa’s ongoing efforts to tackle crime across various sectors. Through coordinated operations and community intelligence, law enforcement is making significant strides in reducing illegal activity, including loan sharking, cable theft, and ATM bombings.
