The enhanced Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela operations conducted in the Province between Monday, 22 and Sunday, 28 January 2024, led to the arrest of 885 suspects for various offences.
The arrests were made for drug related offences, illegal dealing in liquor, driving under the influence of liquor, possession of firearms and ammunition, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common, murder, robbery at business and residential premises, burglaries, malicious damage to property and rape, among others. Furthermore, 61 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
Of the 885 suspects, 130 were arrested during detectives suspect raiding operations at all districts in the province. Some of the suspects have already appeared before the court, while others are expected to make their respective court appearances today.
The operations also led to recoveries and confiscations of three firearms, 143 ammunition, four vehicles, liquor and a variety of drugs. In addition, 93 premises, 1 451 vehicles and 2 853 persons were searched.
In one of the successes, police in Rustenburg arrested one of the wanted suspects and linked with three separate cases of theft of motor vehicle and one of fraud. The crimes were committed between January and October 2023. The suspect is expected to appear in court today.
In Mahikeng, a multidisciplinary crime intelligence driven operation by different law enforcement agencies, led to the arrest of two suspects for possession of drugs at Bradford Park taxi rank. The first suspect (36) was searched and the team found 32 mandrax tablets in his possession. A Volkswagen Velocity which was suspected to be delivering drugs was also searched and the police found 64 mandrax tablets and cash amounting to R3 010.00. A 26-year-old owner of the vehicle was arrested. The suspects are expected to appear in court today.
Still in Mahikeng, another crime intelligence led operation by Mahikeng Flying Squad and Customs Officials resulted in the arrest of a 35-year-old Chinese national in the Central Business District (CBD) for illicit cigarettes. That after the suspect was found in possession and selling different types of illicit cigarettes worth R20 000.00. The suspect paid R1000.00 admission of guilt fine.
The Provincial police Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all role players involved in the operations for their continuous efforts to ensure the safety of our communities.
Enhanced Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela nets 885 suspects in the North West Province https://t.co/tEeP8UiiKh#ArriveAlive #Operations #TrioCrimes #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/WBAh0qBWms
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 29, 2024