Some 238 suspects have been arrested for various crimes in and around the Johannesburg CBD, police said on Sunday.

Inspector Xoli Mbele said the suspects were arrested during a crime prevention operation that begun late on Friday and ended early on Sunday.

"Serious crimes include five men who were arrested for being in possession of unlicensed firearms. Two men were arrested for attempted murder and four men were arrested for armed robbery," said Mbele.

Three firearms were confiscated and three cellphones were recovered.

The suspects were expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Sapa