Eastern Cape 8 October 2023: High density Operation Shanela continues in its resolve to eradicate crime in all corners of the Eastern Cape. Successful intelligence led and weekly high density operations are gaining favour from the communities in all policing districts.
The week’s operations conducted from 2-8 October 2023 resulted in impressive results. The following successes were achieved:
Confiscations/seizures included:
An operation was conducted at the entrance of Stutterheim where a truck travelling from Gauteng to East London was seized with unregistered medicines and skin lighteners. The value of the stock quantified is worth R870 000. Further investigations resulted in more medicines being seized, making the total value approximately R1 million.
On Friday, 6/10, after a delivery truck was reported hijacked on the N2 near Qunu. The goods to the value of R150 000 were recovered at a homestead and a 40 year old suspect was arrested. An unlicensed firearm was also recovered.
Two sheebens operating without licences were closed down at Ngangelizwe township on 5 October 2023. Liquor to the value of R11 800 were confiscated and both owners were charged.
Three firearms were confiscated in Gqeberha on Saturday7/10 in Ext 32 in Bethelsdorp, De Doncker Street in Arcadia and Esterhuizen Street in Arcadia. A revolver was recovered from a suspect on Saturday, 7/10 after police searched him in Barberry Drive in Ext 32. He was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The second firearm, a 7.65 pistol was recovered in De Doncker Street when a male was seen running into a shop. He was detained on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. Also on Saturday 7/10 during a joint operation between Anti-Gang Unit, Public Order Police, Gqeberha K9 and the Operational Command Centre (OCC), at approximately 21:45 while patrolling in Esterhuizen Street, the members stopped and searched a man where they seized a pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition. The suspect was arrested and detained on charges of unlawful possession of firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Maj Gen Zithulele Dladla hailed the week’s successes as outstanding and reiterated that the arrests are as a result of dedication and commitment from senior managers, station commanders and the men and women on the ground. ‘ Extensive patrols, strategic interventions and excellent collaboration with other law enforcement has contributed to the significant decreases in serious crimes in some districts. This not only enhances the safety of our communities but also sends a strong message to criminals that Operation Shanela is resolute in its mission to serve and protect its communities,’ remarked Maj Gen Dladla.