Police trace attempted murder suspect and arrest over 300 during east Shanela
The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from stolen vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms, assault, housebreaking, public drinking and armed robbery.
Police arrested 341 suspects for various offences during Operation Shanela in Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan on February 13.
One suspect wanted for attempted murder was traced and arrested and will appear in court on Friday, February 14.
The operation focused on high-crime areas and included the removal of unlicensed firearms, apprehension of wanted suspects, and enforcement of liquor licence compliance.
The operation was executed with the help of other stakeholders, including the departments of Home Affairs, Labour, and Gauteng Traffic, Tshwane Metro Police Department, CPF, crime prevention wardens and elected councillors.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said 285 individuals were apprehended for serious offences, including 92 for gender-based violence, 44 for assault to inflict grievous bodily harm, 4 for murder, 1 for attempted murder, 5 for armed robbery, and 2 for rape.
“With a roadblock and two tactical teams assembled, 35 illegal immigrants were detained and await deportation, with two persons being arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.”
He added that three suspects were arrested for possession of five bags of various substances and a bucket of dagga.
Van Dyk said one individual was arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes when 24 280 loose cigarettes were found in his possession.
“During this operation, 4 461 persons and 928 vehicles were searched, with 15 vehicles being tested to verify whether they had been stolen,” he said.
He added that this resulted in the arrest of a suspect who was in possession of a vehicle hijacked in Ekangala earlier in the month.
A total of 88 Aarto infringement notices were issued by traffic officials, totalling R54 250, with one vehicle being discontinued for non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
Van Dyk said two people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Further, 32 identified premises and hotspots were searched and patrolled.
The team also inspected two liquor establishments, which led to the closure of both premises.
“Alcohol for non-compliance with the Liquor Act was confiscated.”
Major-General Samuel Thine commended the members for their invaluable contributions to the operation.
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