POTCHEFSTROOM: 2 September 2024 - Police in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and role players continue with weekly High-Density Operation Shanela to prevent and combat crime. A total of 5 454 actions were executed between Wednesday, 28 August 2024 and Sunday, 1 September 2024 and that led to the arrest of 851 suspects for various offences.
The 5 454 actions included amongst others, 11 roadblocks, searching of 167 premises, 2 831 persons, 1 271 vehicles, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises and inspection of 92 others.
Furthermore, 35 Second-hand-dealers were inspected as well as 74 formal and 26 informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail (to ensure Labour Law compliance). Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were also conducted.
The suspects were among others, arrested for crimes such as nine for aggravating robbery, nine for murder, eight for rape, 136 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 72 for common assault, four for house and business robberies, 35 for malicious damage to property, 25 for burglary at residential and business premises, 50 for possession of drugs, 11 for illegal possession of firearms, nine for illicit mining, 15 for dealing in drugs, 15 for illegal dealing in liquor, seven for theft out of / from motor vehicle and 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Moreover, 87 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Of the 851 suspects, 369 were apprehended during detectives suspect raiding operations.
During the operations, a variety of drugs, eight cell phones, 10kg of copper, nine firearms, 83 rounds of ammunition, 25 litres of fuel, liquor, tobacco products, five vehicles and other items were confiscated.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players for their continuous hard work and collaboration to ensure safer communities. Enquiries: Colonel Adéle Myburgh
Cell: 082 856 1731
