By OBAKENG MAJE
11 March 2025- More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across the North West province. The police in North West said they will continue to crackdown on criminality as 5143 actions were executed in various parts of the province between 3 and 9 March 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the actions that amongst others, included the inspection of licenced liquor premises, Second-Hand dealers and informal businesses. Myburgh said this includes searching of premises, persons and vehicles that resulted in the arrest of 1115 suspects for different offences.
“Of these arrests, 419 were effected during Detectives’ suspect raiding operations. The suspects included 159 for possession of drugs, 21 for illegal dealing in liquor, 174 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common, 13 for murder, three for attempted murder, four for rape and 18 for robberies.
“Twenty six suspects were arrested for burglaries, 39 for malicious damage to property and 41 for driving under the influence of liquor and drugs,” she said.
Myburgh said furthermore, a total of 49 illegal migrants were apprehended and processed by the Department of Home Affairs. She said as part of the operations, two unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.
“The operations also led to the confiscation of more than 700 litres of alcohol, 7kg of copper cables, a variety of drugs, tobacco products and three vehicles,” she said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, said the police working with other role players, remain steadfast in stamping the authority of the state to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people in the province.
The Guardian 