
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.
