By OBAKENG MAJE
18 March 2025 – More than 1227 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said of the 1227 arrested suspects, 424 were wanted for contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and common, as well as house and business robberies. Mokgwabone said they were held during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“Furthermore, a total of 28 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 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, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.
“In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom on 14 March 2025, a fine of R1000 was imposed on a man (33), after he was found transporting liquor without a delivery note. Moreover, a joint roadblock on the R509 (Potchefstroom/Carletonville) road, resulted in the issuing of fines worth R6200 to eight motorists for road traffic related offences,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said items such as 95 ammunition, three firearms, three vehicles and a variety of drugs, were confiscated during the operations. He added that Operation Shanela will continue to bring more perpetrators to book as part of ensuring that the communities are and feel safe.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, congratulated the police and other stakeholders for their continuous support in fighting crime in the province to ensure the safety and security of the inhabitants.
The Guardian 