More than 580 suspects arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela


By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 580 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested for robbery aggravating, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said this includes dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and many others. Myburgh further said in addition, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. 

“Out of 325 suspects, 166 were wanted and nabbed during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. In one of the incidents reported on 29 June 2024, Ethiopian tuck shop owner (64), in Maboloka village, near Letlhabile, was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. 

“The police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported. The accused (24), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a charge of business robbery,” she said.

She added that as part of the actions executed during the operations, 128 premises, 1910 persons and 1100 vehicles were searched. Myburgh said the operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, 3 firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and 2 vehicles.

“The police in the province, working together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue to put suspects behind bars through Operation Shanela,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members and other law enforcement agencies for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to ensure the well-being of the communities through crime prevention and combating operations. 

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More than 900 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela 


By OBAKENG MAJE 

More than 900 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela across the North West. The suspects were arrested        for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the Operation Shanela will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens. Mokgwabone further said this became evident when 904 suspects were apprehended between 22 until 28 April 2024.

“A total of 374 suspects were arrested during the Detectives suspect raiding operations.  In addition, 43 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.

“The operations also led to visiting and searching of 95 premises. Moreover, 2 622 persons and 1 477 vehicles were searched during various actions executed to ensure general safety,” he said.

Mokgwabone added that, in Potchefstroom, two operations were conducted on 26 April 2024. He said eight arrests were made by the police of crime prevention between 03:30 and 07:30 for shoplifting, common robbery, possession of drugs, fraud and theft. 

“During a second operation conducted by support services personnel, Provincial Traffic, Tourism, the Department of Trade and Industry and Community in Blue patrollers at a roadblock held at the Weighbridge on the N12 road between 09:00 and 11:00, 504 vehicles and 233 persons were searched. 

“Furthermore, seven second hand goods premises were visited and patrols conducted in the Central Business District (CBD), Bult area and on farms and small holdings (urban patrols),” said Mokgwabone.

He said the police confiscated seven firearms, 37 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, a variety of drugs, tobacco products, cash, and many others during the operation. 

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended all law enforcement agencies and other role players for their continuous efforts in the fight against criminality. 

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