Over 5,300 actions executed in Operation Shanela
Over 5,300 actions were executed during Operation Shanela, part of the Safer Festive Season initiative in North West Province.
The Provincial Police have reported significant progress in the Safer Festive Season initiative, with over 5,300 actions carried out as part of Operation Shanela. The operation, which took place from Monday, 2 December 2024, to Sunday, 8 December 2024, led to the arrest of 1,299 suspects across the province. A notable 617 of these arrests were made by detectives during suspect raiding operations.
In a concerted effort to combat crime and ensure public safety during the festive season, law enforcement, in collaboration with other agencies, carried out 5,399 actions. These included inspections of 56 licensed liquor outlets, 77 second-hand dealers, and compliance checks at firearms institutions, both official and non-official. Police also conducted 745 inspections at retail and hospitality shops, as well as 84 informal businesses to ensure compliance with labor laws. Additionally, farms and mines were inspected as part of the operation.
A further 292 premises, 1,677 people, and 702 vehicles were searched during the week-long operation. Ten roadblocks were also set up to monitor movement and enforce compliance with the law.
Detectives were responsible for several high-profile arrests, including 17 for murder, 46 for rape, and 236 for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Other significant arrests included four individuals charged with illegal possession of firearms, five with illegal possession of ammunition, and two with possession of dangerous weapons. A total of 11 people were arrested for dealing in drugs, while 17 were apprehended for illegal liquor trading. Additionally, 152 suspects were arrested for drug possession, and 46 individuals were taken into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The operation also led to the arrest of 39 illegal immigrants and 87 suspects involved in illicit mining activities.
Items confiscated during the operation included various drugs, tobacco products, 10kg of copper cables, 121 rounds of ammunition, three firearms, one rifle, and three vehicles.
On 3 December 2024, police, in partnership with Health Inspectors from the Department of Health, visited businesses in Lichtenburg and Boikhutso Township, where they confiscated numerous expired goods, further ensuring consumer protection during the holiday season.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, commended the efforts of the police officers and other law enforcement agencies, including Traffic and Home Affairs, for their dedication in executing the operation. He emphasized the importance of these actions in asserting the authority of the state and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the festive period.
