Police arrested 330 people in the Hillbrow area over the weekend, said Gauteng police.

Captain Bhekizizwe Mavundla said the arrests were the result of "intensive crime combat operations".

The operation began on Friday night and lasted until Monday morning. It was focused on Hillbrow, Parktown, Berea and Joubert Park.

The objective was "to create a safe and secure environment for people who are travelling to their home towns with valuables," said Mavundla.

He added that the police wanted to keep crime at low levels and provide a safe environment for business and visitors to the area.

The operation took place with the help of community sector patrol groups, which he referred to as the 'home guard', working in old residences.

Among the crimes that those arrested would be charged with are dealing in drugs, car hijacking, street robberies, and illegal gambling.

They would appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court, said Mavundla.