By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
11 February 2025- More than 1051 suspects were arrested for various crimes around the North West province during the high density Operation Shanela that was conducted between 3 and 9 February 2025. The operations conducted by police and other law enforcement agencies, led to the arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said this includes possession of drugs and theft out of/from motor vehicles, among others. Manyoba said of the 1051 arrests, 430 were affected during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 65 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by immigration officials after failing to prove their legal status in the country.
“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, the operation by the provincial office and Ikageng Police Station personnel, as well as BIU Security on 7 February 2025, resulted in the arrest of five suspects and confiscation of drugs that included mandrax and crystal meth,” she said.
Manyoba further said, liquor was confiscated after two illegal liquor outlets were shut down at Sonderwater and Extension 9. She added that, all operational arrests were effected through the execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs), visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises.
“We also conducted a search on second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others. The operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, liquor, seven dangerous weapons, a hand gun, 150 cell phones, vehicle parts, unwrought precious metals, tobacco products and three vehicles,” said Manyoba.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated members, units and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ascertain that citizens are and feel safe.
The Guardian 