POLOKWANE: Monday, 31 July 2023 - The South African Police Service in Limpopo nabbed 641 suspects during Operation Kukula conducted from 2023-07-24 to 2023-07-30. The suspects were arrested for various offences, such as murder, robberies, burglaries, assault GBH, assault common, possession of drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms, dealing in drugs, possession of counterfeit goods, Contravention of Immigration Act, arson, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of liquor among others charges.
The Provincial High Density Operations were conducted by Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Policing Major General Jan Scheepers and Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection Major General Samuel Manala representing the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
District Commissioners, Law enforcement agencies and other departments joined High Density Operations in their respective Districts, joined by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, Private Security Companies, Farm Watch and Traditional Authorities. This week's Provincial focus was in Capricorn District, and the Multidisciplinary Forces operations were directed at Polokwane, Seshego, Mankweng and Westenburg.
During the operations, Police confiscated 248,462 litres of liquor, 10 ammunition, 04 dangerous weapons, 10381 cigarette sticks, 1,301 kilograms and 06 firearms. In addition, 132 illegal immigrants and 12 serious crime suspects were arrested. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the teams for effecting the arrests during these operations. She said, "I am highly appreciative to the operating teams across the Province, as they ensured that criminals feel our presence and communities are at the same time feeling safe." Some of the arrested suspects have already started appearing before their respective local Magistrate's Courts for various offences.
The Police investigations are continuing.