VANDERBIJLPARK – Sixteen suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela in Vanderbijlpark recently.
While about 13 illegal immigrants may face deportation, about three suspects dealing in drugs, such as dagga among many others, will face the might of the law.
On Thursday, February 29, dozens of top police brass, including different law enforcement agencies barricaded the Barrage Road during a highly intense stop and search.
The entourage saw a sting operation being extended to other locations such as Bophelong and the Civic Center.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Vanderbijlpark police spokesman, Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu said “Operation Shanela was based in our precinct this week, the main focus of the operation is to get rid of any criminal activities that are terrorising our communities.”
Sigcu added “The roadblocks, stop and search and raids were also done at illegal shebeens, including houses suspected to be selling drugs around Vanderbijlpark areas and Bophelong.
“Many arrests were done and lots of drugs were seized by our committed members at the houses suspected to be selling drugs in Bophelong. On our roadblock, the motorists were searched and their vehicles were also tested to see if, the vehicles were not reported stolen,” he said.
In a new twist, Sedibeng District Commissioner, Major General Nkhensani Lemba encouraged the members to be vigilant when doing their work during the operation.
