Eighty-two people, aged between 16 and 43, were arrested for various crimes in Soweto over the weekend, Gauteng police said on Sunday.

Inspector Kay Makhubele said the operation, which involved stop-and-searches as well as raids, started on Friday night and ended on Sunday afternoon.

Forty-seven people were arrested for drinking in public and public drunkenness. The remaining 35 were arrested for murder, rape, armed robbery, malicious damage to property, assault, shoplifting, possession of ammunition and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

The operation was carried out in Zola, Mfulo, Zundi, Moloetsani, Jabulani and Jabulani hostel.

Sapa