By REGINALD KANYANE
25 November 2024- More than 948 suspects were arrested for various crimes in the North West during Operation Shanela. The operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between 18 until 24 November 2024.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said, the suspects were amongst others, arrested for illicit mining, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises. Funani said these include possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicles and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Out of the 948 arrested suspects, 439 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), assault common, illicit mining, house robbery and business robbery.
“Two hundred and fifty-nine, were arrested during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Additionally, 64 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing,” she said.
Funani further said the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers and many others.
She added that the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, computers, laptops, counterfeit goods, 9 cell phones, illegal cigarettes, 29 ammunition, four firearms, copper cable, liquor and four vehicles.
“During the operations, 14 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shut down. The Operation Shanela continues to yield more positive results,” said Funani.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province and for making sure that the citizens are protected.
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