By BAKANG MOKOTO
6 January 2025- The police in North West said their efforts to reduce crime and remove criminal elements from the communities through the high-density, multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela, Safer Festive Season 2024/2025, continue to be impactful.
They said this was heightened when 950 suspects were apprehended for different crimes across the province from 30 December 2024 until 5 January 2025.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel, Sam Tselanyane said the arrested suspects included among others, 17 for murder, 22 for illegal dealing in liquor, 34 for driving under the influence of liquor and 22 for burglary at residential and business premises.
Tselanyane further said 27 suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property, 69 for possession of drugs, 4 for dealing in drugs, 7 for rape, 125 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 73 for assault common.
He added that, 46 undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested for contravention of Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) and were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
“During these operations, police managed to confiscate 3 handguns and 24 rounds of ammunition, 89 tablets of mandrax and heroin, 94 packets of tobacco products and 5 vehicles.
“Furthermore, to curb the crimes in relation to new year celebrations, particularly non-compliance with the Explosives Act through use of fireworks and contravening the Liquor Act, 1599 fireworks and over 2000 litres of liquor were seized,” said Tselanyane.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, extended his words of appreciation to the police and other role players for the successes achieved. Asaneng reiterated that law enforcement agencies will continue to ensure that residents of the province are and feel safe at all times by squeezing the space for criminals to operate.
The Guardian 