OPERATION SHANELA RESULTS IN 644 ARRESTS

North West – In a coordinated effort by police and other law enforcement agencies, a total of 644 suspects were apprehended for various crimes during Operation Shanela, which took place from Monday, 27 May 2024, to Sunday, 02 June 2024.

Lieutenant colonel Amanda Funani reported that the arrests included individuals charged with serious offenses such as rape, murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), malicious damage to property, residential and business burglary, possession of drugs, theft from motor vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Of the 644 arrested, 307 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault GBH, common assault, house robbery, and business robbery. Additionally, 221 suspects were detained during detective suspect raiding operations.

The arrests resulted from various enforcement activities, including stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, patrols, vehicle checkpoints, inspections of licensed liquor premises and second-hand goods dealers, and the tracing of wanted suspects.

The operation also led to the confiscation of numerous illegal items, including various drugs, dangerous weapons, 11 cellphones, copper cable, 23 rounds of ammunition, 8kg of precious metals, five firearms, liquor, and five vehicles. Furthermore, two illegal liquor outlets (shebeens) were shut down.

Provincial police commissioner lieutenant general Sello Kwena commended all police officers, units, and other participants in Operation Shanela.