Gauteng police raid several taxi ranks in Joburg CBD in bid to curb crime over festive season

JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng police are currently conducting raids at several taxi ranks and bus depots in the inner city of Johannesburg as part of efforts to curb criminal activity during the busy travel period.  

As thousands of people head to their holiday destinations, law enforcement officials have been deployed across the CBD to ensure all travellers heading outside the country's borders are properly documented and not in possession of contraband.  

It seemed like an ordinary day for travellers at a bus depot in the CBD of Johannesburg until more than 100 police officers stormed in.  

The men in blue searched travellers' luggage, the buses, and dozens of boxes packed in trailers.  

Some were unable to produce their passports or immigration documents and found themselves on the wrong side of the law.  

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said Friday's operation was a proactive approach to combating crime.  

"As these transport hubs buzz, there might be some crimes which people will attempt to commit."

More than 120 undocumented migrants have been arrested in the CBD on Friday alone.