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.
TaungDailyNews 