VANDERBIJLPARK – A full-blown Operation Shanela, led by Sedibeng District police Commissioner Major General Mukwevho, was conducted in the Vanderbijlpark precinct on February 27.

The first phase of the operation started with an overnight suspect tracing of wanted suspects by the detectives in the districts.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Vanderbijlpark police spokesperson Sabelo Sigcu said the tracing yielded good results, seeing 169 arrests.

“The arrests included 60 for contact crimes, 13 for trio crimes, 46 for serious crimes, 23 for GBV related offences, and five for property crimes,” he said.

Dozens of law enforcement officials, Crime Prevention Wardens, Private Security companies, among many other stakeholders, moved to conduct a random stop and search.

Hundreds of vehicles were stopped and searched during the roadblock.

Eighteen undocumented foreign nationals were also nabbed.

While the operation was conducted on Barrage Road near Star Nissan, several other law enforcers descended on a number of local schools including Vaal High School and Tsholo Secondary School in Bophelong for an unplanned search.

While crime prevention activities were adminstered, men and women in blue also arrested two people for selling liquor without a license, and two illegal liquor outlets were closed.

Sigcu said during the tour of the operation, the Sedibeng District Commissioner also engaged with the community of Ext 17 in Bophelong.

Here the community was being sensitised about the importance of exercising their rights especially when it comes to reporting corrupt members.

The Sedibeng District Commissioner, Major General Mukwevho, emphasised the imperative of working together and also applauded the good work shown by the members