POTCHEFSTROOM: 02 January 2024 - The integrated Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela to keep the country safe and secure during the festive season and beyond, continued to yield positive results in the Province. That after a total of 1 122 suspects were arrested between Tuesday, 26 and Sunday, 31 December 2023. The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from robbery aggravating, murder, rape, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, burglary at business and residential premises to theft of and out / from motor vehicle. Of the 1 122 suspects, 474 were arrested for assault common and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. Similarly, 11 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs; offences which contribute mainly to road fatalities. Furthermore, 386 suspects were nabbed during Detectives suspect raiding operations in all hot spot areas.
During the operations, over 3000 litres of liquor, 14 000 grams of drugs including mandrax tablets, crystal meth and cocaine were seized. Additionally, six vehicles were recovered.
In one of the operations in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1, 15 road traffic fines worth R10 300.00 were issued to motorists during a roadblock held along the N4 road near Brits. Moreover, two illegal outlets were shut down and liquor seized in Maboloka and Letlhakaneng in the policing precinct of Letlhabile.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena reiterated that police across the province will continue to be vigilant and decisively deal with those who think they can get away with crime. He extended a word of appreciation to all role-players for their commitment and cooperation in a joint effort to fight crime in the Province.