By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
More than 800 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The suspects were arrested in conjunction with the police and other law enforcement agencies, including other role players.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 5454 actions, included amongst others, 11 roadblocks, searching of 167 premises, 2 831 persons, 1 271 vehicles, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 92 others. Myburgh further said, 35 Second-hand-dealers were inspected, as well as 74 formal and 26 informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail (to ensure Labour Law compliance).
“Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were also conducted. The suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as 9 for aggravating robbery, 9 for murder, 8 for rape, 136 for assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and 72 for common assault.
“Four for house and business robberies, 35 for malicious damage to property, 25 for burglary at residential and business premises, 50 for possession of drugs, 11 for illegal possession of firearms, 9 for illicit mining and 15 for dealing in drugs,” she said.
Myburgh added that 15 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, 7 for theft out of/from motor vehicle and 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She said moreover, 87 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“Of the 851 suspects, 369 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. During the operations, a variety of drugs, eight cell phones, 10kg of copper, 9 firearms, 83 rounds of ammunition, 25 litres of fuel, liquor, tobacco products, 5 vehicles and other items were confiscated.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continuous hard work and collaboration to ensure safer communities.
The Guardian 