POLOKWANE – Police arrested 619 suspects for various offences during the latest high-density Operation Shanela conducted across Limpopo between June 29 and July 5.

The multidisciplinary operation involved the SAPS, traffic police, the Department of Home Affairs as well as the Department of Social Development and Correctional Services.

Province-wide crackdown targets multiple crimes

Police said the operation included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, stop-and-search operations, the tracing of wanted suspects, as well as compliance inspections at scrapyards, second-hand goods dealers and informal businesses, including spaza shops.

Immigration offences account for largest number of arrests

According to police, the majority of arrests were for immigration-related offences, with 253 undocumented foreign nationals apprehended during the week.

Other arrests included:

• 52 suspects for illegal dealing in liquor;
• 43 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• 53 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm;
• 46 for common assault;
• nine rape suspects;
• six suspects for dealing in drugs;
• three for the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms;
• two for attempted murder;
• two for business robbery;
• one for murder;
• one for robbery with aggravating circumstances; and
• several others for offences including burglary, malicious damage to property, possession of drugs, possession of illegal cigarettes and contraventions of the Second-Hand Goods Act.

During the operation, police also confiscated:

• more than 532 litres of alcohol;
• 45.15kg of dagga;
• three firearms;
• 10 rounds of ammunition;
• 28 dangerous weapons;
• 115 packets of tobacco products;
• one motor vehicle; and
• just over R1 000 in cash.

Small quantities of crystal meth (0.21g) and nyaope (0.09g) were also seized.

Police confirmed that some of the arrested suspects have already appeared in magistrates’ courts across the province, while others are expected to appear in the coming days.

Multi-agency cooperation praised

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended the officers involved in the operation and reiterated the importance of continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies, community members and other stakeholders in combatting crime.