Picture: Two suspects arrested during Operation Shanela/Generic

By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 800 suspects were arrested for numerous crimes during Operation Shanela. More than 23 arrests, were made for drug-related offenses, 24 for dealing in liquor, 37 for driving under the influence of liquor, and 3 for possession of firearms. The North West police spokesperson, Capt Aaftje Botma said, one suspect was also arrested for illicit mining. Botma said during the operations, 11 cell phones, 5 firearms with ammunition, 4 vehicles, 6 dangerous weapons, a variety of drugs, and precious metals, including 3000kg of copper cables were confiscated.

“The operation was strengthened by the traffic police, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Health, private security companies, and the Community in Blue through the Community Police Forum (CPF). More than 69 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

“A total number of 58 premises, 2345 persons, and 1727 vehicles were searched. More than 30 tracking operations were conducted by the detectives to trace known suspects. Moreover, 15 roadblocks were held,” she said.

She further said a tip-off they received, led to the execution of a search and seizure warrant by Potchefstroom K9 at a house in Extension 13 in Jouberton Township, outside Klerksdorp. Botma added that, during the operation, police found an unlicensed firearm and 51 ammunition.

“Lekaota Johannes Monkhe (40) was immediately arrested and appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on 20 November 2023. Monkhe was granted R1000 bail and his case was postponed to 1 February 2024.

“As part of his bail conditions, he was ordered to report to the Jouberton Police Station twice a week. During the release of the quarter two crime statistics, Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, said Operation Shanela, which is on its sixth month running, is effective and continuous to be altered and guided by crime pattern analysis,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General, Sello Kwena, said the police will through decisive action and community involvement, continue to combat crime and ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

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