Over 6,000 actions executed during operation shanela
Operation Shanela, conducted from May 20-26, 2024, in North West Province, led to the arrest of 1,123 suspects and over 6,000 law enforcement actions.
The North West Provincial Commissioner’s Office announced the successful completion of Operation Shanela, conducted from Monday, 20 May to Sunday, 26 May 2024. The operation led to the arrest of 1,123 suspects across the province, showcasing a robust collaboration between the police and other law enforcement agencies.
Operation Shanela saw a total of 6,170 actions executed, which included the search of 2,003 individuals and 1,569 vehicles, 893 high-visibility patrols, ten roadblocks, and inspections of 393 liquor outlets and 29 second-hand goods dealers. The comprehensive operation targeted a range of criminal activities, leading to significant results.
The suspects were arrested for various crimes, including rape, murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), common assault, malicious damage to property, burglary at residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and other offenses. Among the 1,123 suspects, 413 were apprehended during detective suspect raids. Additionally, 37 undocumented individuals were taken in for processing.
The operation also led to the confiscation of ten cell phones, copper cables, liquor, two vehicles, six unlicensed firearms, 59 rounds of ammunition, and various drugs, including crack cocaine, crystal meth, and nyaope.
One notable incident occurred in Zeerust on Friday morning, 24 May 2024. Members of Zeerust Visible Policing encountered two males walking along the N4 towards a dumping site, carrying a backpack. Upon noticing the police, the individuals attempted to flee, but one was apprehended. A search revealed copper cables worth approximately R7,000 in the backpack. The 39-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and will appear before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court today.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the police officers and their partners in other law enforcement agencies, including Traffic and Home Affairs, for their efforts in ensuring that suspects are brought to justice. The operation’s success underscores the commitment to maintaining law and order and addressing criminal activities within the province.
