The integrated and intelligence driven Safer Festive Season Shanela II operations conducted in the North West between November 3 and 9, resulted in the arrest of suspects and the seizure of a variety of illegal contrabands, 33 rounds of ammunition, three vehicles, and a variety of drugs and liquor.

In the same period, a total of 1 426 suspects were arrested for different crimes.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone says 412 out of the 1 426 arrests were circulated wanted suspects, after they were positively linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads.

“The suspects, among others, include those arrested for murder, robberies, attempted murders, rape, burglaries, assaults, illegal dealing in drugs, possession of drugs, selling of liquor without licenses, driving under the influence of liquor, malicious damage to property and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.”

During these operations, 38 illegal migrants were apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002.