FREE STATE: 5 January 2024 - The ongoing multidisciplinary operation "Shanela" continues to shut down corners of the Free State and put suspects behind bars for different crimes.The period starting Monday 29 January 2024 to 04 February 2024 confirmed 1317 arrests made in the province. This includes detective tracing and tracking operations.
For property crimes, 25 suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property. Eight were arrested during a sting operation on illicit mining, and gold-bearing material and equipment were also seized. Fifty-nine (59) illegal immigrants were found and arrested. Two were arrested after a firearm was found in their possession.
Detective services also came onboard, as through their tracing and tracking operations, 458 suspects were arrested after they were involved in different criminal activities. Ten suspects were arrested for murder, 11 for rape, three for car hijacking, 141 for assault and two unlicensed illegal liquor premises were closed. Through stop-and-searches, nine people were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, while 12 were taken in for burglary.
The fight against drugs and drug abuse also produced positive results, as drugs such as mandrax, crystal meth and dagga were confiscated after they were found in the suspect's possession. Twenty-four (24) suspects were arrested for drug-related crimes. The multidisciplinary approach roadblock also ensured that six people were arrested for driving while under the influence, while 74 people were arrested for contravening the Traffic Act.