By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 February 2025- More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. With heightened police visibility and crime prevention, combating actions like roadblocks as well as stop and searches were conducted.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said 1076 suspects were arrested. Myburgh said of 1076 arrests, 5 were held for murder, five for attempted murder, three for rape, six for robberies and 40 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“This includes 39 suspects nabbed for malicious damage to property, 142 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 69 for common assault, 24 for illegal mining, 18 for burglaries and many more other offences.
“Moreover, detectives conducted raids that led to the arrest of 505 wanted suspects for business robbery, murder, rape, assault GBH and house robbery,” she said.
Myburgh further said during the operations, 300 premises, 2169 persons and 769 vehicles were searched. She added that 290 high visibility patrols were conducted including 264 stop and searches, while liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers were visited for compliance inspections.
“In total, 4966 actions were executed in different crime focus areas. In Ikageng Township, near Potchefstroom, the police raided numerous liquor premises on 14 February 2025, leading to the closure of eight illegal liquor outlets.
“Throughout the province, 10 more unlicensed premises were shut down and 38 licensed liquor premises were inspected. Regarding second-hand goods dealers, 65 premises were also inspected,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, emphasized that police across the province will through Operation Shanela, which is focused on enhanced crime prevention and combating, continue to have a zero-tolerance approach for criminals. Asaneng said they welcomed the results achieved and urged members to continue to be consistent and dedicated in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the well-being and general safety and security of the communities.
The Guardian 