By OBAKENG MAJE

More than 814 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela for numerous crimes across the North West province. The North West police spokesperson, Captain Aaftje Botma said the arrested suspects included 47 for drug related offences, 20 for illegal dealing in liquor, 30 for driving under the influence of liquor, two for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Botma further said 165 arrests were made for serious and violent crimes that included murder, for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and 62 assault common and rape.

She added that, of the 814 suspects, 271 suspects were arrested during detective suspect raiding operations.

“Moreover, 30 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Immigration Officials for further processing. The operations also led to confiscations of numerous alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, a variety of drugs, four dangerous weapons, 12 cell phones, 4 handguns and 4 vehicles.

“In of one of the arrests on 4 February 2024, the vigilant members of Vryburg police station arrested a man (43) at the Taxi rank with 498 tablets suspected to be mandrax as well as a silver plastic bag containing a substances suspected to be Crystal Meth,” said Botma.

She said suspect is expected to appear today in the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court for charges relating to Drugs and Drug trafficking Act, 1992 (Act No. 140 of 1992).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the police and all other role players for their continued and collaborative efforts to ensure that he those who perpetrate crime are brought to book.

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