POTCHEFSTROOM: 24 July 2023 - With more boots on the ground to deal decisively with crime, Operation Shanela, resulted in the arrest of 642 suspects over the weekend for different offences. The arrested suspects among others, included 31 for possession of drugs, 26 for dealing in drugs, 12 for rape, 106 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 52 for assault common, 7 for murder, 29 for burglary at business and residential premises, 23 for malicious damage to property, 29 for driving under the influence of liquor and 27 undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
During the operations and execution of various searches, 3 409 persons, 211 premises and 1 635 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the closure of 7 unlicensed liquor premises and 105 licensed liquor premises were inspected.
The following items were confiscated during the operations:
Liquor
Various drugs (crystal meth, mandrax and nyaope)
vehicles
Six dangerous weapons
Eight firearms
Cigarettes
In one of the operations conducted in Ikageng on Friday, 21 July 2023, police operationalised a search warrant and upon searching through the house, they found a pistol. A 25-year-old owner was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court today.
In another operation conducted in Dibate Village, Mmabatho on Saturday, 22 July 2023, information was followed-up, leading the police to an identified house. During the search, dagga worth an estimated street value of R15 000.00 was found. A 38-year-old suspect was immediately arrested and will appear before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court today on charges of dealing in dagga.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked all members for their positive attitude displayed since the inception of the operation. He said it is clear that the success figures are showing a weekly increase, due to the hard work by all involved that are supported by support services personnel.