By BAKANG MOKOTO
More than 800 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela. This comes after police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and other role players, including Traffic Police, Department of Education, Transnet, the Gambling Board, Community Police Forums (CPFs), private security companies, ESKOM and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS), continue with weekly high density operations to prevent and combat crime.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said a total of 31 high density operations were conducted between 6 and 11 August 2024, and led to the arrest of 828 suspects for various offences. Myburgh said high density operations led to 3796 actions that included amongst others 14 roadblocks, searching of 49 premises, 2006 persons, 1 022 vehicles, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 41 others.
“Furthermore, 29 Second-Hand dealers were inspected and six received notices for non-compliance of the Second Hand Goods Act. Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were also effected.
“The suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as rape, murder, assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), house robberies, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession and illegal dealing in drugs, theft out of / from motor vehicle and 67 persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” she said.
Myburgh added that 102 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. She said of the 828 suspects, 382 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations.
“During the operations, a variety of drugs, four cell phones, explosives, three firearms, ammunition, liquor, tobacco products, three vehicles and other items were confiscated,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their collaboration and support in continuing to ensure safer communities.
The Guardian 