More than 20 arrests in latest clampdown on gang violence

TWENTY-one people were arrested during Operation Lockdown in Port Elizabeth’s northern areas during the past week.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the arrests were for attempted murder, dealing in drugs and possession of a stolen firearm.

Operation Lockdown was launched by Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane on March 24.

The operation aims at focusing on gang violence, mainly in Bethelsdorp and Gelvandale.

“The additional police members deployed from both the national and provincial offices have made a huge impact in the areas, as the high police visibility has most certainly served to curb serious crime in the Bethelsdorp and Gelvandale precincts,” Naidu said.

“The SAPS is appreciative to the communities who are providing information and encourages them to continue to do so.”

The operation was conducted in conjunction with the Intervention Team which was roped in to clamp down on northern areas gang violence.