Operation Shanela nets 793 suspects in the North West

Over 700 people have been arrested in Operation Shanela operations in the North West.

The suspects, 793 in total, were arrested in stop and searches, roadblocks and inspections conducted in the  province from Monday, 15 July 2024 until Sunday, 21 July 2024.  

The suspects were arrested for, among other things, rape, murder,, malicious damage to property, burglary at a residential and business premises, theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Of the 793 arrested suspects, 347 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, common assault, house robbery and business robbery. 

A total of 54 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

In addition, 29 undocumented persons were taken in for processing.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) the arrests were effected through the execution of several actions, including stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, visiting and inspecting of 56 licensed liquor premises, 13 second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects and others. 

The operation also resulted in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, four handguns and ammunition, three vehicles, liquor, tobacco products and 11kg of copper cables.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the police for these successes and thanked them for working tirelessly in putting suspects behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za