Gauteng police arrested 195 people in an anti-crime operation in Sharpeville, south of Johannesburg, over the weekend.

The suspects, aged between 22 and 55, were arrested for crimes ranging from burglary, assault and drug possession to malicious damage to property, said police spokeswoman Superintendent Sibongile Ndaba in a statement.

A firearm and 16kg of dagga were confiscated.

The operation, during which roadblocks were set up, ended on Monday morning and started on Friday.

Areas that were targeted included schools, churches and ATMs. All the arrested were expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court during the week.

Sapa