Lentswe, Potchefstroom - More than 900 suspects were nabbed over the weekend in the province in Operation Shanela. During last week’s operations conducted between Thursday to Sunday March 7 to 10 a total of 974 suspects were nabbed for various crimes. Lt Col Amanda Funani, police spokesperson, the suspects were, amongst others, arrested for rape, murder, assault GBH, malicious damage to property, burglary residential and business premises, possession of drugs, theft out of/from motor vehicle, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Of the 974 arrested suspects, 258 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. Furthermore, 47 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.
She said the arrests were effected through execution of several actions, which included stop and searches, road blocks, vehicle check points, visiting and inspecting of licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and many others.
“The operation also culminated in the confiscating of drugs such as mandrax tablets and powder, crack cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, nyaope, precious metals, dagga, and 10 handguns.’’
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, has once more praised all women and men in blue and other law enforcement agencies for the successes and continuous efforts to ensure the safety of the community.
