Over 1,000 Arrested in North West During Latest Operation Shanela Crackdown

In a concerted effort to combat crime and ensure the safety of communities, the North West Police, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and role players, have sustained their weekly high-density crime prevention initiative, Operation Shanela. From Monday, 14 October to Sunday, 20 October 2024, a total of 5,416 actions were executed, leading to the arrest of 1,020 suspects for various offences.

The actions included 10 roadblocks, searches of 164 premises, 2,464 persons, and 1,087 vehicles, as well as the closure of nine unlicensed liquor premises and inspections of 94 others. Law enforcement officers also inspected 41 second-hand dealers, 156 farms, and seven informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail to ensure compliance with Labour Laws. Moreover, the operation included 906 patrols and 231 stop-and-search actions.

The 1,020 suspects arrested were charged with a range of crimes, including 17 for robbery, six for murder, six for rape, 110 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 60 for common assault, 28 for malicious damage to property, and 36 for burglary at residential and business premises. In addition, 70 suspects were arrested for drug possession, 10 for illegal possession of firearms, 40 for illicit mining, and four for dealing in drugs. Further arrests included 30 for illegal dealing in liquor, five for theft from motor vehicles, five for motor vehicle theft, and 31 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Immigration officials also processed 60 suspected undocumented persons.

Of the total arrests, 476 were made during detective-led suspect raiding operations.

During the course of the operations, various illegal items were confiscated, including drugs, 15 cell phones, eight firearms, 640 kilograms of copper, 309 rounds of ammunition, explosives, liquor, tobacco products, four vehicles, and other contraband.

Operation Shanela is part of the police’s ongoing strategy to curb crime in the North West Province and to safeguard local communities from criminal activities. The law enforcement agencies are committed to continuing these high-density operations to ensure the safety and security of all residents.