Limpopo police have hailed their Operation Kukula “clean sweep” as a resounding success after more than 1 600 suspects were arrested in connection with various crimes, including murder, rape, robbery, and misdemeanours related to liquor consumption.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the province-wide operation started last Monday and ended on Sunday.

“The South African Police Service in Limpopo joined forces with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders during integrated operation Kukula conducted across the province.

“Operation Kukula is showing tremendous results and is proving to be effective in sweeping the streets in the province of any form of criminality,” he said.

Ledwaba said the operation enjoyed the support of several sector departments,  Community Policing Forums, business forums and private security companies.

“The [operations] were executed through intensified roadblocks including stop and searches as well as high visibility and patrols at [crime] hotspots. This included raiding liquor outlets, shebeens second-hand goods, and tracing of wanted suspects.

“A total of 1 686 suspects were arrested during the operation. More than 28 191  people and 10 757 vehicles were stopped and searched. The confiscated items during the operations include liquor, counterfeit goods, and dagga,” Ledwaba said.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe raised concerns about crime levels in Vhembe District.

“If Vhembe District can reduce the caseload, the crime stats of the province can be low. Everyone is worried about the crimes happening in Thohoyandou,” she said.

The suspects have been scheduled to appear in various magistrate’s courts on various charges.