SEDIBENG.- On April 18, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng conducted a high-impact, crime-combating operation with the execution of Operation Shanela, focusing on the Sebokeng policing precinct.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane, said that the collaborative efforts of all participating units yielded significant results, culminating in the apprehension of 96 suspects for criminal offenses as follows:

– Murder

– Armed Robbery

– Robbery with weapon other than a firearm

–  Common Assault (GBV related)

– Common Assault

– Assault GBH

– Rape

– House Robbery

– Business Robbery

– Hijacking

– Business burglary

– House breaking and theft

– Possession of unlicensed firearm

– Possession of ammunition

– Shoplifting

– Kidnapping

– Fraud

– Malicious damage to property

– Contravention of an existing protection order

– Stock Theft

– Assault GBH (GBV related)

– Intimidation

– Fraud

– Pointing with a firearm

– Assault on police

– Illegal immigrants

– Illegal possession of Schedule 5 medicine

– Selling liquor without a valid liquor license

– Driving under the influence of alcohol

Focus on visible policing

Before the day of Operation Shanela, detectives from across the Sedibeng District were instrumental in securing 69 arrests, which included suspects linked to gender-based violence-related cases.

“On the day of the operation, 27 suspects were arrested as a strong focus on visible policing was maintained and it included an intensified deployment to enforce liquor compliance regulations, trace wanted suspects, and execute law enforcement patrols in known hotspots. Whereby a strategic roadblock was also placed in Golden Highway Road Sebokeng, reinforcing operational teams deployed across Sedibeng, resulted in the arrest 3 undocumented foreign nationals, who are currently undergoing processing for court proceedings and deportation.”

Lots of suspects arrested

Law enforcement officials conducted searches on 422 individuals and 201 vehicles, while 42 vehicles were tested to determine their status in relation to theft/hijacking.

“Additionally, crime hotspot locations, 5 identified premises, filling stations, malls, taxi ranks, banks, ATMs, liquor establishments, and during these patrols, 19 suspects were arrested for drunk and driving, one for illegal possession of schedule 5 medication, one for crimen injuria and assault on police, and 3 for selling liquor without a valid liquor license.

Fines were issued

Traffic law enforcement also formed a key part of the operation, whereby officers issued 28 AARTO infringement notices valued at R 21000 for various road traffic violations.

“The District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho would like to extend her gratitude to all SAPS members, involved Stakeholders and the Community Patrollers for their dedication and unwavering support. ” Together we stand, divided we fall”. This phrase emphasises that unity and collaboration create strength, while division leads to failure. Team work and shared purpose ensure success through combined effort.”