LIMPOPO – A total of 2 379 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela, which ran from August 10 to 16 and involved Saps, other law enforcement agencies and various stakeholders.

Serious crimes targeted

Among those arrested were:

• 6 people wanted for murder
• 5 for attempted murder
• 21 for rape
• 146 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm

Police also arrested 229 people for drug-related offences, 77 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 138 for illegal liquor dealing.

Undocumented immigrants arrested

The operation also resulted in the arrest of 311 undocumented immigrants, while 485 people were arrested for public drinking.

Firearms and drugs seized

Police seized:

• 4 firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition
• 46 dangerous weapons and 39 knives
• More than 1.6kg of dagga
• 2.407g of crystal methamphetamine
• 5.403g of nyaope
• 0.001g of heroin/Thai White

Counterfeit goods and liquor confiscated

Police also confiscated more than 61 000 counterfeit cigarette sticks and nearly 1.93 million ml of liquor. Twelve stolen or robbed vehicles were recovered.

High-visibility operations

As part of the operation, police conducted high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints, compliance inspections and tracing operations targeting wanted suspects.

A total of 2 219 fines were issued, while 137 shebeens were closed.

Police also attended to 300 domestic violence incidents and served 252 protection orders during the week.

Some of the suspects arrested have already appeared before various magistrates’ courts.