South African Police Services(SAPS) say a total of 480 people were arrested during a sting operation in Gauteng.
Traffic officials have also issued traffic fines of about R250,000.
The disruptive operations were conducted simultaneously in all five districts – Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and West Rand.
The Johannesburg district operation was led by the provincial commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, accompanied by the MEC of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko.
The multi-disciplinary operations resulted in over 480 people being arrested for different crimes including the possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, driving under the influence of liquor, dealing in drugs, possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and undocumented persons, among others.
Traffic fines amounting to R250,000 were issued for various offences and seizures were also made.
In Johannesburg Central, intelligence information led to the discovery of five unlicensed firearms and 43 live ammunition in different incidents. All the firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing for possible links to other crimes.
The operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow which is infamous for lawlessness during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. All the arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts from Monday.