SEBOKENG.-The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng District successfully conducted Operation Shanela in the Sebokeng policing area, yesterday, Thursday.

The Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Mbangwa Nkwashu, led and executed the operation with multidisciplinary law enforcement teams from various law enforcement departments.

During the operation, 29 suspects were arrested for various offenses that included:

– Selling liquor without a license
– Possession of drugs
– Illegal immigrants ( individuals are currently awaiting legal processing for deportation)
– Illegal gambling
– House Robbery
– Illicit cigarettes

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane said that a day prior to the operation, on Wednesday, tracing was conducted by the detectives throughout the district and they arrested 109 suspects for serious offenses that included:

– Murder
– Attempted murder
– Armed robbery
– Assault GBH and Common Assault, (some are domestic violence related)
– Sexual Assault
– Business Robbery
– Hijacking
– House Breaking
– Possession of stolen property
– Theft
– Fraud
– Rape
– Malicious damage to property
– Kidnapping

” At the roadblock on Thursday,  882 people were searched, 324 vehicles were searched, 5 identified premises were searched of which 2 were found to be unlicensed shebeens, and 70 traffic infringement notices were issued. Malls, taxi ranks, filling stations, tuck-shops, scrapyards, and Schools were visited and patrolled.”

The Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mbangwa Nkwashu stated that the operations are continuously aimed at stamping the authority of the state while maximising police visibility. He further applauded the members for their dedication, commitment and for ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice, said Mokhachane.