Pretoria - More than 750 criminals have been arrested since Operation Washa Tsotsi was launched earlier this month.
The objective of Operation Washa Tsotsi is to successfully complete the number of registered crime intelligence driven projects throughout the country with the help of communities.
Updating media on the progress of the anti-crime operation on Friday, Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa said during the arrests, evidence worth R25.5 million was seized.
Arrests that were made included attempted murder, rape, house robbery, armed robbery, business robbery and vehicle hijacking.
Minister Mthethwa thanked communities who helped in providing information which led to the arrests of the criminals.
"Our approach is to forge partnerships with communities, especially those in crime infested areas. If we are to deal with crime effectively, we need everybody to get on board in the fight against crime," the minister said.
The minister said KwaZulu-Natal had been targeted especially during the first stage of the campaign and 538 individuals were arrested and R21.2 million worth of exhibits were seized.
As part of the campaign, all provincial Police Commissioners were provided with a comprehensive list of wanted criminals for whom warrants of arrests have been issued or have been linked to crimes.
