FREE STATE – Crime suspects across the Free State had nowhere left to hide as police unleashed a massive province-wide crackdown that saw 1 015 suspects arrested in just one week during the latest Operation Shanela II.
The sweeping operation targeted wanted criminals, drug dealers, illegal liquor traders, and other offenders in what police described as a relentless effort to reclaim communities from crime.
Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said detectives tracked down 308 wanted suspects during intelligence-driven raids.
“Among those arrested were 22 suspects wanted for rape, 10 for sexual offences, seven for murder, 11 for attempted murder, and 67 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They are expected to appear in various courts across the province,” said Covane.
Covane said the multidisciplinary operation also saw police flood towns and rural communities with high-visibility policing.
“During the high-density deployment, members conducted highvisibility patrols, stopped and searched 13 227 people, inspected 645 licensed liquor premises, carried out 147 compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, inspected 56 scrapyards and recycling businesses, visited 76 spaza shops and informal businesses, and conducted 2 831 farm visits together with the Departments of Home Affairs and Employment and Labour,” he said.
Police also struck a blow against drugs and the illegal trade in stolen goods.
“The joint team seized 703 grams of tik (crystal meth) and 59 Mandrax tablets. Members also confiscated 950 litres of alcoholic beverages, 108 packets of tobacco and 305 kilograms of suspected stolen copper cables,” Covane said. He warned that criminals should not get comfortable, saying the operation is far from over. “Another weekly planned Operation Shanela II will unfold in certain areas of concern and identified crime hotspot areas throughout the Free State,” he said.
Police have urged residents to continue reporting criminal activity, saying community information remains vital in tracking down wanted suspects and keeping neighbourhoods safe.
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