A total of 42 suspects were arrested during an eight-hour operation in various suburbs throughout Port Elizabeth this week as part of a clampdown to ensure wanted suspects spend Christmas behind bars.
Among the 42 arrested between Thursday 10pm and Friday 6am were individuals wanted for rape, murder, burglary and house robbery
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the house robbery suspect had been caught after being connected to a robbery in Bethelsdorp in October.
“The six rapes were separate incidents that occurred between October and November in areas including Kabega Park, Algoa Park and Gelvandale.
“The suspects were linked to the scenes and were wanted by police,” she said.
In addition to the wanted suspects who were nabbed, police also arrested a 27-year-old man in Walmer Township.
“The police were patrolling the area when a man standing outside his shack saw the police van and ran inside.
“Police found it suspicious and gave chase,” she said.
“As they ran into the shack, they saw the suspect throwing a firearm on the bed.”
Naidu said the man was arrested and the gun confiscated.
Mount Road cluster commander Major-General Thembisile Patekile said the police would be hard at work throughout the festive season
All 42 suspects are expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.