By REGINALD KANYANE
25 March 2025- More than 900 suspects were arrested for various crimes during the multi-disciplinary high-density operation conducted between 17 and 23 March 2025. The Operation Shanela, which was intended to prevent and combat crime, resulted in the apprehension of 932 suspects across the province.
The North West police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Manyoba said the successes were recorded after the execution of 5562 actions, which amongst others, included vehicle check points (VCPs), stop and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.
Manyoba said during the VCPs and roadblocks conducted across the province, a total of 1499 vehicles and 1994 persons were stopped and searched.
“As a result of these actions, 117 suspects were arrested for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), common assault, car-hijacking, seven for murder and attempted murder, rape, robbery, burglary, contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Others were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of drugs, dealing in drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes, illicit mining, and illegal dealing in liquor,” she said.
Manyoba further said in the efforts to eradicate the proliferation of illegal firearms, five firearms that included four handguns and one rifle were confiscated and four persons were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. She added that a variety of drugs, liquor, dangerous weapons, 13.5kg of copper, two cellular phones, two vehicles and tobacco products were also seized.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, expressed his gratitude to all law enforcement agencies, for their continuous efforts in ensuring that crime is prevented and combatted throughout the province.
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