Limpopo: A joint multi-disciplinary Operation Shanela executed in Limpopo has led to the arrest of 837 suspects for various offences committed across the province.
According to South African Government News Agency, the operation also led to the confiscation of 65,613 kilograms of dagga. Amongst the offenses committed include rape, illegally dealing in liquor, possession of illegal cigarettes, possession of dangerous weapons, and possession of drugs.
The operations, which ran from 25-31 August, were conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the South African Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, and Community Policing Forum (CPF). In a statement on Tuesday, the police said the operation was executed through high visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle checkpoints, and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Among the arrests, six people were apprehended for the illegal possession of firearms, while 18 were detained for the possession of dangerous weapons, among others. Meanwhile, police recovered 180 counterfeit goods, six handguns, 20 cellphones, and 10 vehicles, among other items.
Some of the arrested suspects have already begun to appear before their local Magistrate's court. "This province will continue to combat any criminal activities and our men and women in blue will stop at nothing in ensuring that it remains safe for the inhabitants without any prejudice of race and gender," said the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.