Operation Shanela continues to register commendable progress in the fight against crime with 13 633 suspects having been arrested through the multidisciplinary operation.
“Through high visibility patrols, stop and searches and the tracing of wanted suspects, police are hard at work in stamping the authority of the state,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
A number of takedowns and major drug busts were recorded which include the confiscation of R50 million worth of crystal meth during an intelligence driven operation in Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape.
Another major success was the interception of a truck and vehicle car hijacking syndicate in which four suspects were arrested. In this case, numerous truck trailers, vehicle parts, heavy-duty machinery, forklifts, and copper plates all valued at R10 million were discovered at a farm in Ventersdorp in the North West.
Additionally, 145 stolen sheep were recovered in Qumbu within 24 hours after they were stolen during a farm attack while also 18 000 units of Abalone to the value of R15 million was also seized in the Eastern Cape.
Other arrests made across the country include the arrest of 2 192 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder and attempted murder. A total 137 suspects were arrested for murder, with a majority of these suspects being arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (32).
Additionally, 259 suspects were arrested for rape, 95 of the arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and 220 drug dealers were arrested in the past week with the majority of these suspects arrested in the Western Cape (57).
“[A total] 113 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, with the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (36),” said the SAPS adding that the 1072 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested.
The police also recovered 131 firearms and 1510 rounds of ammunition that were confiscated.
Additionally, a joint operation conducted by Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime unit, Brand Protectors, and border police resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods including clothing, consumables, toys and cellphone accessories worth over R35 million.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. -SAnews.gov.za
