By BAKANG MOKOTO
More than 1000 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela across North West. According to the North West police, the operation was conducted by the police and other law enforcement agencies between from 1 until 7 July 2024 and was a huge success.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said the suspects were amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises.
Funani said this includes possession of drugs, theft out of / from motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
“Of the 1042 arrested suspects, 555 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, assault common, house robbery and business robbery, while 408 were held during Detectives suspect raiding operations.
“Additionally, 45 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing. The arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, patrols, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises, Second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others,” she said.
Funani further said the operations also culminated in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, precious stones, explosives, 49 live rounds of ammunition, 11 firearms, liquor and two vehicles. She added that duirng the operations, 24 illegal liquor outlets or shebeens were shutdown.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated members, units and other role players who were involved in the operation. Kwena also thanked them for all the time that they dedicate in making sure that the province is protected and safe.
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