Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Operation Shanela high density operations conducted in the province yielded successes when 597 suspects were arrested for numerous crimes from October 23 to 29.
The police made four arrests for drug related offences, 11 for dealing in liquor, 21 for driving under the influence of liquor, three for possession of firearms and ammunition and 66 were undocumented persons, who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.
According to Col Adele Myburgh, police spokesperson, the police acted on serious and violent crimes with six arrested for murder, four for attempted murders, five for armed robbery, 149 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, three for business robbery, 41 for burglaries, 30 for malicious damage to property, 13 for rape and 104 for assault common.
“During the operations, two firearms with ammunition, eight cellphones as well as a variety of drugs and precious metals were confiscated. Some of the suspects have already appeared before the court while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts around the province.
During the operations 93 premises were searched, 12 road blocks were held and 11 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.
“In one of the incidents, a 45 year-old police officer was attacked with a sjambok in Extension 4, in Lebaleng, Makwassie, on October 27 at about 12:30, by an alleged tuck shop owner whilst a law enforcement team was conducting consumer inspections.
“The suspect attacked the police officer from behind, whilst he was removing expired products from the tuck shop. The officer was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment. Investigations are underway and the arrest is imminent.
The Provincial police Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said an attack on a police officer, is an attack against the state and it will not be tolerated.
He warned that the consumption of expired goods has recently caused people to fall ill and even die, therefore the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community.
