A total of number 161 undocumented persons and 25 suspects for malicious damage to property are amongst Six hundred and ninety eight (698) suspects apprehended for various offenses during a high density operation Shanela that commenced last week on Monday 19 August 2024 until Sunday 25 August 2024 across the province.

The joint operation was conducted by numerous police units together with the external security forces that comprised the Traffic police, Private Security Companies, Department of Home Affairs, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) amongst others role players.

It included compliance inspections at liquor licensed premises, second-hand dealers, vehicle control points, roadblocks, stop and searches.

During the operations, 900 packets of tobacco products, eight (08) stolen or robbed motor vehicles, one firearm, 0,26 grams of Nyaope drugs, 4.60 KG of dagga, 13 knives, 36,69 millilitres of alcoholic beverages, 595 counterfeit goods, and an undisclosed amount of cash were confiscated while effecting t
he arrests.

Furthermore, 12 suspects were nabbed in relation to the charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 4 for burglary business, 57 for assault common, 01 for theft of motor vehicles, 11 for rape and 84 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 16 for possession of drugs.

Some of the suspects have already appeared before their various Magistrate’s courts across the province.

“I am very grateful for the commitment that is strongly displayed by the police in riding out criminal activities and ensuring the safety of the inhabitants in the province. Everyone should be aware that the operations will be strengthened as we are heading towards the festive season celebrations with the objective of maintaining peaceful and crime free province, ‘concluded the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

Source: South African Police Service