"Several strategic operations and careful planning in the curbing of armed robberies and hijackings has led to excellent results," Captain Ernest Sigobe said.
"Since August 80 suspects on crimes ranging from cash-in-transit, house robberies, murder, business robberies, and illegal possession of firearms, have been arrested."
Sigobe said police confiscated goods to the value of R2 million.
This included 17 firearms, two hand grenades, five plasma televisions, nine motor vehicles and R70,500 cash.
The suspects were arrested in the precincts of Gelvandale, Kwazakhele, Mdantsane, Swartkops, Addo, Kabega Park, New Brighton, Butterworth, Somerset East, East London, Humewood, Jeffreys Bay, Motherwell, Mount Road, Sterkspruit, Fort Beaufort and Upington.
"Priority has been given to the Nelson Mandela Metro in terms of our crime analysis in addressing trio crimes -- 53 of the 80 suspects were arrested in the metro.
"Ten out of the 78 suspects have been positively linked to 40 other cases of similar nature."
Provincial Commissioner Mpumelelo Landu said: "We will continue to hunt down those who are involved in crime and the recent successes indicate our determination and commitment in making the Eastern Cape a safer province to live in.
"I am at the same time calling on the public not to contribute to criminal activities, and to refrain from buying stolen goods. More victims will suffer because of the market some members of the public are creating for criminals."
Sapa
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