By BAKANG MOKOTO
More than 1278 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela. It is alleged that the suspects were arrested by the police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and other role players.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the arrested suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as rape, murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), house and business robberies.
Mokgwabone further said others were arrested for malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Of the 1278 suspects, 379 were apprehended during detectives’ suspect raiding operations. Moreover, 52 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“The arrests were executed during stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting licensed liquor premises and Second-hand goods dealers and tracing of wanted suspects, among others,” he said.
Mokgwabone added that during the operations, a variety of drugs, 17 cell phones, six firearms, 18 rounds of ammunition, liquor explosives and other items were confiscated. He said as part of enforcement of the Liquor Act, 1989, a total of 24 illegal liquor outlets/shebeens were shut down.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continued efforts to ensure safer communities.
The Guardian 