The Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP) have arrested 107 suspects and recovered 57 stolen and hijacked vehicles during a series of coordinated crime-fighting operations conducted across the province between 28 May and 9 July 2026.

The Gauteng Department of Community Safety on Friday commended the traffic police for the successful operations, which were carried out by the Special Law Enforcement Unit (SLEU) and Saturation Unit in identified crime hotspot areas.

According to the department, the operations targeted a range of serious crimes, including armed robbery, assault, drug dealing, fraud, illegal mining activities, possession of stolen property and immigration related offences.

In the City of Tshwane, officers arrested 15 suspects on charges including pointing a firearm, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, housebreaking and possession of dagga.

Police also confiscated 160 kilograms of dagga during the operations, which were conducted in Rietgat, Mabopane, Soshanguve, Mamelodi East, Pretoria North and Queenswood.

The City of Ekurhuleni and the Sedibeng District Municipality recorded the highest number of arrests outside Johannesburg, with 41 suspects taken into custody.

The suspects face charges including drug dealing, possession of copper believed to be stolen, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of unlicensed live ammunition, fraud, possession of illegal mining equipment and contraventions of the Immigration Act.

The operations were carried out in Elsburg, Tembisa North, Ivory Park, Katlehong, Vereeniging, Sedibeng and Orange Farm.

In the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng Traffic Police arrested 45 suspects for offences that included assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, armed robbery, possession of ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, theft and immigration related offences involving undocumented persons.

Authorities also recovered two stolen vehicles within the city, including a Toyota Fortuner and a Toyota Yaris.

The Johannesburg operations focused on crime affected areas, including Johannesburg Central, Jabulani, Eldorado Park, Dobsonville and Doornkop.

In total, 57 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered during the province wide operations, although the department did not disclose where all of the recoveries were made or whether the vehicles had already been returned to their owners.

The Department of Community Safety praised the Gauteng Traffic Police for what it described as their dedication and commitment to improving safety across the province.

“The Gauteng Department of Community Safety commends the Gauteng Traffic Police for their unwavering dedication in safeguarding communities across the province. These successful operations demonstrate the provincial government’s commitment to intensify the fight against crime and build safer communities for all,” the department said.

The department also called on residents to continue working with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminal activity and suspicious behaviour to their nearest police station.

The latest arrests form part of ongoing provincial efforts to tackle violent crime, vehicle theft, hijackings, drug trafficking and other organised criminal activities through intelligence driven operations and increased law enforcement visibility in high crime areas.

Authorities have indicated that similar operations will continue across Gauteng as part of efforts to disrupt criminal networks, recover stolen property and improve public safety. The department said community cooperation remains an important part of ensuring the success of crime prevention initiatives and encouraged residents to provide information that could assist law enforcement agencies in combating crime.