Operation Shanela, the multi-disciplinary high density SAPS operation commenced from Thursday, 27 July till Sunday, 30 July, with the emphasis on the reduction of contact and violent crimes and property related crimes in hotspot areas.

More actions executed over the past weekend across North West culminated in the arrest of 779 suspects for different offences.  The arrested suspects amongst others, included 12 for rape, 104 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 54 for assault common, 16 for robbery aggravating, 40 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 23 for illegal dealing in liquor, 20 for burglaries at residential and 14 for business premises, 38 for possession of drugs and 43 for dealing in drugs.

During the operations and execution of various actions, 6 413 persons and 2 906 vehicles were searched.  The operation also led to the inspection of 77 licensed liquor premises, 23 second-hand goods dealers and three recyclers / scrapyards. Furthermore, 23 unlicensed liquor premises were closed, while 57 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.

In another operation conducted on Sunday morning, 30 July , a 27-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs (crystal meth) and a dangerous weapon (okapi knife) in Walter Sisulu street, Potchefstroom. He was expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 31 July.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the members for the commitment they have displayed since the inception of the operation.

He said it is clear that the success figures are showing a weekly increase, due to the hard work by all members, other law enforcement agencies and government departments involved in the high density operations to reduce the levels of crime.