By REGINALD KANYANE
23 December 2024- More than 1348 suspects were arrested for various crimes during the high density Operation Shanela across North West. The multi-disciplinary operations, which was conducted from 16 until 22 December 2024, focused on regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), high-visibility patrols including foot patrols.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said this includes the tracing of wanted suspects, the confiscation of illegal firearms, as well as visits to liquor outlets and taverns.
Tselanyane said for the period mentioned, a total of 10 suspects were arrested for murder, 12 for robbery aggravating (armed robbery), 8 for rape, 234 for assault with the intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), 38 for burglary at business and residential premises, 79 for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 113 for contravention of the Immigration Act.
“Furthermore, 35 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor and 79 for possession of drugs. Nine firearms, consisting of 5 handguns and 4 shotguns, were removed from the wrong hands and two suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms.
“The confiscations include among others, 652 packets of tobacco products, 81 rounds of ammunition, 712 ecstasy tablets and two suspected stolen vehicles,” he said.
Tselanyane further said high density Operation Shanela, that is inclusive of the safer festive season operations, continues to stamp the authority of the state when a significant number of suspects were brought to book.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, reiterated that the heightened police presence, especially during this time of the year, will foster a sense of trust among community members, contributing to the ongoing crime prevention strategies of Operation Shanela.
