VKlerksdorp Record, Klerksdorp - Operation Shanela, part of the Safer Festive Season Operations, was conducted last week and 1 299 suspects were apprehended in NW of which 617 were arrested during suspect raiding operations. These operations took place between December 2 and 8. “Police, supported by other law enforcement agencies, executed a total of 5 399 actions that included amongst others the inspection of 56 licensed liquor premises, 77 second hand dealers, compliance inspections of firearms Institutions (non-official and official institutions), 745 inspections at hospitality and retail shops, 84 informal businesses to ensure labour law compliance as well as farms and mines.
A further 292 premises, 1 677 persons and 702 vehicles were searched and ten roadblocks were held,” said Col Adéle Myburgh, police spokesperson. Detectives arrested 17 for murder, 46 for rape and 236 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH).
“Other arrests included four for Illegal possession of firearms, five for Illegal possession of ammunition and two for possession of a dangerous weapon.
“As well as 11 for dealing in drugs, 17 for illegal dealing in liquor, 152 for possession of drugs, seven for burglary at business premises, 17 for burglary at residential premises, 38 for malicious damage to property, 46 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 39 for being Illegal Immigrants and 87 for illicit mining.”
The police also confiscated a variety of drugs, tobacco products, 10kg of copper cables, 121 rounds of ammunition, three firearms, one rifle and three vehicles.
In Lichtenburg - on December 3 - the police and health inspectors from the Department of Health visited businesses in town and Boikhutso and confiscated numerous expired goods.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-Genl Sello Kwena, congratulated the police officers working together with other law enforcement agencies including traffic and home affairs to ensure that suspects are brought to book as part of asserting the authority of the state.
