Police recover 30 bags of drugs, arrest over 400 during Operation Shanela
The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from stolen vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms, assault, housebreaking, public drinking and armed robbery.
The police in Tshwane recovered 30 bags of drugs and arrested 409 suspects during Operation Shanela in Pretoria-Moot and Garsfontein on January 30.
Three suspects were arrested for possession and dealing drugs after police recovered 36 bags of various substances and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The operations focussed on high-crime areas and included patrols, compliance inspections, and crackdowns on illegal alcohol sales.
The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from stolen vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms, assault, housebreaking, public drinking and armed robbery.
The operation was executed with the help of other stakeholders including the Department of Home Affairs, Labour, Gauteng Traffic Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Community Policing Forums, Crime Prevention Wardens and elected councillors.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan Van Dyk said the operation entailed high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, compliance inspections, and raids on illicit liquor outlets.
“316 individuals were arrested for offences such as assault, housebreaking, public drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and armed robbery.
Four suspects were arrested for murder, three for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery, one for rape, and 96 for gender-based violence,” said Van Dyk.
He said 79 undocumented individuals were detained, pending legal proceedings.
“Should they be found in violation of immigration laws, deportation procedures will be initiated.”
The team inspected 22 liquor premises and found six non-compliant with the Liquor Act.
“A total of 670 000ml of liquor was confiscated and will be destroyed upon finalisation of the criminal cases,” said Van Dyk.
1 201 individuals were searched and 680 vehicles inspected.
He said a person in whose possession 35 packets of illicit cigarettes were found, was arrested.
“Additionally, two people were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, two for fraud and another person arrested for a Domestic violence-related offence.
180 AARTO infringement notices were issued by traffic officials, totalling R79 800.
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