FREE STATE – Inter-departmental Operation Shanela, between different law enforcement agencies in the Free State, continues to squeeze space for criminals in the province.
These operations were held during the last week of August throughout the province.
According to police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane the purpose of the operation was to curb trio crimes like carjacking, house robbery and housebreaking, cash in transit robberies, murders and rapes among others.
“During the operations premises, people and vehicles were searched, roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points were held, liquor premises, scrap yards, and recycling premises were also visited and searched,” she said.
Mpakane said police arrested 279 wanted suspects for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape assault GBH and wanted suspects among many others.
“Operation Shanela saw 1 119 suspects arrested, of which 118 were for grievous bodily harm, 155 for assault, 41 for rape, 58 were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 36 were arrested for driving under the influence and 52 for illicit mining, amongst others,” she added.
Mpakane said police managed to confiscate alcoholic beverages, counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, cellphones, dagga, drugs, firearms, and money believed to be proceeds of crime. This will be used as evidence where needed during the court proceeding.
“All suspects will appear in different courts on different days throughout the province. The firearms confiscated will be sent to ballistics to ensure that they were not used in the commission of other crimes,” she said.
Vaalweekblad
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