Potchefstroom – The South African Police Service’s Operation Shanela in North West resulted in the arrest of 642 suspects for different offences at the weekend.
North West police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said: “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, and 52 for assault common, 7 for murder, 29 for burglary at business and residential premises”.
Lt-Col Funani said in addition, 23 suspects were apprehended 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,” said Lt-Col Funani.
“The operation also led to the closure of seven 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,” said Lt-Col Funani.
“A 25-year-old owner was immediately arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
“He will appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s 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 was found,” Lt-Col Funani said.
“A 38-year-old suspect was immediately arrested and will appear before the Molopo Magistrate’s 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 was 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.
