Festive season clean-up by Operation Shanela

POLOKWANE – Some 2 581 suspects already started making first appearances before magistrate’s courts across the province after having been detained since between December 4-11, in line with the mandate of the police to reduce crime over the festive period.

Crime clean-up operation Shanela was conducted across the five districts through roadblocks, stop-and-searches, compliance inspections at second-hand goods dealers and compliance at liquor premises.

The arrested suspects have been charged with various offences including murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault, robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms, suspected stolen property, illegal immigrants and drug-related crimes.

Of concern, according to the service, is the 870 illegal immigrants arrested before Monday with an additional 630 suspects arrested on the day in Groblersdal alone.

Elsewhere in Vhembe, with the national defence force, provincial police confiscated mining equipment including generators, compressors, and crowbars during an operation on Sunday.

Meanwhile, 247 suspects were arrested for assault with grievous bodily harm and assault and 123 suspects for drug related cases.

The teams also confiscated 13 firearms, 162 rounds of ammunition, ten stolen/hijacked motor vehicles, 4 596 counterfeit cigarettes, 28 grams of crystal meth and 192 grams of nyaope, among other items.

Provincial commissioner, Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe praised the members and other stakeholders engaged in the operations.

“I commend each and every one for continuing to take part in providing a secure and safe environment to citizens of this province effortlessly; together, we can do better against crime,” she said.

Operations are still ongoing.