Hundreds Detained In Police Raids

Press, Volume C, Issue 29554, 1 July 1961, Page 11

Hundreds Detained In Police Raids

(N Z.P.A .-Reutet—Copyright) JOHANNESBURG, June 30. Thousands of police last night conducted a four-hour series of raids in the centre and northern suburbs of Johannesburg in what was said to be one of the most intensive anticrime drives in South Africa’s history.

Hundreds of people of all races are understood to have been detained. Police raided both white and non-white homes. No official information was immediately available on the reason for the sudden police drive. The raids extended beyond the city into the suburbs, and throughout the vast complex of native townships bordering on Johannesburg. Police moved into areas sealed off by roadblocks and stopped and searched all vehicles. They were under orders to arrest anyone illegally possessing firearms. Later, said the Associated Press, the [police drive was reported to have included the capital. Pretoria, and the two big towns of Springs and Randfontein, both about 20 miles from Johannesburg. Those arrested were taken

to the nearest police stations where they were screened and fingerprinted. Some were released after the screening.

The South African Press Association said the drive was planned to smash the rising crime wave and was timed to take place on the eve of the vast annual exodus of holiday-makers to coastal resorts.