Lim police arrest over 600 suspects during week-long operation
Operation Shanela nets 698 arrests, seizes stolen vehicles, firearms, and counterfeit goods, as police crack down on crime.
POLOKWANE – 698 suspects were apprehended for various offences during the high-density operation, Shanela, that started on Monday, August 19.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the operation involved various units working with external security forces such as the Traffic police, Private Security Companies, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Community Policing Forum (CPF).
The operation included compliance inspections at liquor-licensed premises, second-hand dealers, vehicle control points, roadblocks, and stop searches.
A total of 161 illegal immigrants and 25 suspects for malicious damage to property were arrested across the province.
Additionally, 12 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 4 for burglary, 57 for common assault, 1 for theft of motor vehicles, 11 for rape, 84 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and 16 for possession of drugs.
Authorities also seized 900 packets of tobacco products, eight stolen or robbed motor vehicles, one firearm, 0.26 grams of nyaope, 4.6 kg of dagga, 13 knives, 36.69 ml of alcoholic beverages, 595 counterfeit goods, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, stated that the operations will be reinforced as the festive season approaches to ensure a peaceful and crime-free period.
She commended the police force for their dedication during the operations: “I am very grateful for the commitment that is strongly displayed by the police in riding out criminal activities and ensuring the safety of the inhabitants in the province.”
Some of the suspects have already appeared before their various Magistrate’s courts across the province.
