Intensified police operations and more visibility led to several suspects’ arrest in the Limpopo province over the past Easter weekend.

According to the provincial spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto, the police focused on high-crime spots such as shebeens and taverns and, in the process, managed to close down a total of 25 illegal liquor outlets. She confirmed that 154 tavern owners were also charged with contravening their license stipulations.

Across the province, a total of 94 people was arrested for driving under the influence of liquor and 1 457 fines were issued for those people who had flouted the liquor law.

Nineteen suspects were arrested for the possession of suspected stolen property and investigations to link these suspects to possible incidents of housebreaking and theft and even armed robbery are in the process.

A further 11 people were arrested for the illegal possession of fire-arms and investigations to link them to possible incidents of armed robbery are on-going.

Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Simon Mpembe expressed his satisfaction with the weekend’s successes by the police and also thanked members of the public who had offered their support and co-operation.