Police in North-West have tackled drug-related activities and crime in Wolmaransstad following a successful Operation Shanela initiative on February 14.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, led a second Operation Shanela this past Saturday night in Wolmaransstad following concerns raised by community members regarding drug-related activities and crime.

The operational team comprised members from the North West Provincial Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods (FLASH) Unit, Ani-Gang Unit, Potchefstroom Public Order Policing (POP), Crime Intelligence, and the North West Provincial Tracking Team. Members conducted stop-and-search operations and inspected various liquor outlets in and around Wolmaransstad and Makwassie.

According to NW police spokesperson, Adéle Myburgh, five men between the ages of 23 and 32 were arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances. “This included Mandrax and Crystal Meth, with an estimated street value of approximately R14 000.00,” she stated.

Other success stories include a visit to Makwassie where a 23-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of suspected illegal substances. Mandrax and Crystal Meth with an estimated street value of R8000 were confiscated.

Major General (Dr) Naidoo, commended members for their relentless efforts. He said that Operation Shanela continuous to deliver tangible results in the fight against crime and appreciated the cooperation of the community, whose information and support remain critical in the effort to create a safer environment for all in the province.

In total, the weekly high-density Operation Shanela actions conducted between Monday, February 2 and Sunday,  February 15, resulted in the arrest of 1784 suspects for various offences across North-West.

This included the following:

• 65 for murder
• 26 for robbery
• 81 for rape
• 554 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH)
• 147 for common assault
• 50 for burglary at business and residential premises
• 30 for illegal possession of firearms and/or ammunition
• 53 for contravention of the Immigration Act
• 92 for illegal dealing in liquor
• 23 for dealing in drugs
• 71 for possession of drugs

Out of the 1 784 suspects, 1 043 were circulated wanted suspects, who were traced and apprehended by Detectives after being linked to crimes through forensic DNA and other investigative leads.