Operation Shanela nets 13 949 suspects

Operation Shanela continues to make its mark in the fight against crime with the police having arrested 13 949 suspects in the past week. 'Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks as well as stop and searches, police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that they serve,' said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Monday. The suspects were netted in operations that got underway on Monday, 26 August up until Sunday, 01 September. This as all Operation Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of the respective nine provinces. During the week-long operations, 4 233 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies were arrested while 117 suspects were arrested for murder. An additional 118 suspects were arrested for attempted murder. A total 280 suspects were arrested for rape, with 116 of them arrested in KwaZulu Natal. Hundred and sixty suspects were n abbed for the illegal possession of firearms while 1463 people were held for assault: grievous bodily harm (GBH). Meanwhile, 442 suspects were arrested for the illegal dealing in liquor and 145 drug dealers were arrested during this period. Among others, 82 illegal miners were arrested with 52 of these arrests being made in the Free State. Successes made also include the confiscation of 164 firearms as well as the recovery of 52 hijacked and stolen vehicles. 'Four extortionists were fatally wounded during a confrontation with police in Milnerton, Western Cape. Four others are under police guard in hospital. Five firearms were seized at the scene. Gauteng police arrested a suspect after the discovery of a cloned police vehicle believed to have been used in a spate of truck hijackings and courier vehicle robberies in the Gauteng province. 'Police will continue with their operations in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa,' said the SAPS. Source: South African Government News Agency