Operation Shanela nabs 904 suspects in North West

Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across communities with 904 suspects having been apprehended for various transgressions in the North West province. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects arrested across all districts in the province were held for crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, dealing in drugs, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol. A total of 374 suspects were arrested in raiding operations. Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand good dealers. In addition, 43 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. The police also visited and searched 95 premises while 2 622 persons and 1 477 vehicles were searched. Seven firearms, 37 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, a variety of drugs and tobacco products were confiscated. The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended all law enforcement agencies and other role players for their continuous efforts in the fight against criminality. Source: South African Government News Agency