By Phenyo Selinda
Operation Shanela has led to the arrest of 967 suspects across the Free State last week. The operation, which continues to make significant inroads in the fight against crime, saw a diverse range of arrests and confiscations.
Key Arrests and Seizures
Police in the province reported that 50 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, while nine individuals were detained for rape, four for murder, and 14 for attempted murder. Additionally, 28 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.
The operation also targeted property crimes, resulting in 21 arrests. Moreover, 45 individuals were apprehended for malicious damage to property, and 107 were taken into custody for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Significant Incidents
One notable incident occurred in Virginia on 26 June 2024. Members of Crime Intelligence provided information on two suspicious vehicles seen around petrol stations. This intelligence led to the arrest of three suspects after an illegal firearm was found in their vehicle. Another vehicle, a VW Golf, was traced and found with three occupants, and a firearm was also confiscated.
In a separate incident, police traced and stopped a vehicle, arresting all three males inside after discovering a 9mm firearm.
In Rouxville, a foreign national was arrested at a roadblock after police found boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R12 million in his bakkie.
In Springfontein, highway patrol officers stopped a bakkie on the N1, arresting two males, aged 23 and 25, after finding dagga worth an estimated R1.7 million in the vehicle.
Broader Impact and Community Involvement
In Batho, an illegal foreign national was arrested for possessing an unlicensed firearm, following a tip-off that he might have been involved in a tuckshop robbery.
Operation Shanela’s detective tracing efforts led to over 215 suspects without legal documents being taken to Home Affairs for further processing. Additionally, 33 people were arrested for driving under the influence, and 253 drivers were fined for violating the Traffic Act.
Call for Community Support
The police emphasised the importance of community involvement in their efforts to combat crime. “Operations are continuing throughout the province, and community members are urged to continue providing information on crimes taking place and to work with police to identify possible suspects,” said a police spokesperson.
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