Picture: Some of copper cables confiscated by police during raids/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
4 September 2024 – More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested by the police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and role players.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a total of 5454 actions were executed between 28 August and 1 September 2024. Mynurgh said that led to the arrests of 851 suspects for various offences.
“The 5454 actions included amongst others, 11 roadblocks, searching of 167 premises, 2831 persons, 1271 vehicles, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 92 others.
“Furthermore, 35 Second-hand-dealers were inspected as well as 74 formal and 26 informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail (to ensure Labour Law compliance),” she said.
Myburgh further said numerous patrols and stop and search actions were also conducted. She added that the suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as 9 for aggravating robbery, 9 for murder, 8 for rape, 136 for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 72 for common assault, four for house and business robberies.
“This includes 35 for malicious damage to property, 25 for burglary at residential and business premises, 50 for possession of drugs, 11 for illegal possession of firearms and nine for illicit mining,” said Myburgh.
She said 15 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, 15 for illegal dealing in liquor, seven for theft out of/from motor vehicles and 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Myburgh said moreover, 87 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“Of the 851 suspects, 369 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. During the operations, a variety of drugs, eight cell phones, 10kg of copper and nine firearms were confiscated.
“This includes 83 rounds of ammunition, 25 litres of fuel, liquor, tobacco products, five vehicles and other items were confiscated,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continuous hard work and collaboration to ensure safer communities.
The Guardian 