By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 1250 suspects have been arrested by the police during Operation Shanela. According to the North West police spokesperson, Captain Sam Tselanyane, the police were working together with other law enforcement agencies to clamp down any criminal activity.

Tselanyane further said they wanted to ensure that, the community and visitors in the province were safe and protected during festive season.

“The suspects were arrested amongst others for rape, murder, assault Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Of the 1 250 suspects, 399 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do GBH, assault common, house robbery and business robbery. Furthermore, 169 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing,” he said.

Tselanyane added that, the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.

He said the operation also resulted in the confiscation of mandrax tablets, Crystal Meth, five dangerous weapons, six handguns, one rifle, three rounds of ammunition, cellular phone, liquor and copper cables.

“Fifty two suspects were also arrested during illegal mining Operation “Vala Umgodi” between 18 December and 24 December 2023. The suspects were nabbed during disruptive operations in Stilfontein and Witrandjie in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala Platinum Districts.

“The suspects include 18 Lesotho, 8 Mozambique, 2 Malawi and 2 Bangladesh nationals as well as 16 South Africans. During the arrest, the police seized gold bearing material, petrol, generator, a truck, spade and two cell phones,” said Tselanyane.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for the sterling work and dedication that, they have shown throughout the festive season operations to keep the province safe and secure.

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