Picture: The suspected stolen vehicle recovered by the police during raid/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
More than 1000 suspects were arrested by the police for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said 58 arrests were made for drug-related offences, 31 for illegal dealing in liquor.
Myburgh further said 17 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of liquor, eight for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 37 for burglaries, 53 for malicious damage to property, while 67 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.
“On 26 February 2024, Vryburg K9 and Mahikeng Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), stopped the driver of a Toyota Etios Sedan, in Moffat Street, Vryburg. The vehicle was inspected and it was found to be stolen during April of 2023 in Silverton.
“The driver, Makatise Joseph Khuabo (42) was immediately arrested and appeared before the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court on 29 February 2024 for being in possession of a presumed stolen vehicle,” she said.
Myburgh added that Khuabo was remanded in custody until 5 March 2024, for a formal bail application. She said in another incident reported on 29 February 2024, the police in Taung received a tip-off regarding a man (32), who was allegedly in possession of an illegal firearm.
“This led the police to a premises, where the accused, Lesedi Nthutang was allegedly found being in possession of an illegal firearm. Nthutang was arrested and appeared before the Taung Magistrate’s Court on 1 March 2024.
“He was granted R500 bail and his case was postponed until 8 March 2024. Arrests were also made for serious and violent crimes that included 10 for murder, 193 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 111 for assault common, and nine for rape,” said Myburgh.
She said during the detective wanted suspect raids operations, 293 suspects who were wanted for numerous charges, were arrested. Myburgh said all suspects will make their respective court appearances in various courts this week.
“Operation Shanela focuses on high density operations and keeping the province safe and secure. It will continue to be successful after 1154 suspects were nabbed for numerous crimes between 26 February 2024 and 3 March 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant Gen, Sello Kwena, commended the police and all other role players for their continued collaborative efforts. Kwena said this will send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated in the province.
The Guardian 