POTCHEFSTROOM - An intensified crackdown on criminal activities in the province saw close to a thousand suspects taken into custody over the weekend. This triumphant outcome was a result of Operation Shanela, demonstrating the police's relentless pursuit against lawbreakers.
Productive Law Enforcement Weekend
Between Thursday, 10 August, and Sunday, 13 August 2023, authorities apprehended 990 suspects for a myriad of offences. This staggering number includes 13 suspects detained for murder, 10 for rape, and 270 associated with assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm. Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition charges were leveled against 15 individuals, while 22 faced robbery charges. Other arrests included those for driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal liquor dealings, burglaries at residential and business locations, and numerous drug-related offences.
Large Scale Operation
The scale of the operation was vast. Police searched 1,344 individuals and inspected 1,056 vehicles. The operation extended its reach to licensed liquor establishments, second-hand goods vendors, and recyclers/scrapyards. This also resulted in the closure of seven unlicensed liquor outlets and the detention of 84 suspected undocumented foreign nationals.
Confiscations
During the operation, police confiscated an array of illicit items. Eight firearms, a significant amount of liquor, various narcotics including crystal meth and dagga, three cellphones, and one vehicle were seized. Specific to the raids in Boons and Koster, police apprehended individuals with large quantities of dagga worth R10,000 and others for dealing in counterfeit goods and liquor without a license.
Appreciation
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, took the opportunity to commend all participating members. He expressed his gratitude for their unwavering dedication and commitment, which played an instrumental role in the operation's immense success. The commendable results of Operation Shanela signify a strong message that the rule of law will continue to prevail in the province.
Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani 082 373 9719
