Through strict stop and search operations, road blocks at identified locations and increased visibility patrols combined with detective tracking and tracing operations, 50 suspects were arrested for drug possession, nine were arrested for rape, four for murder and 14 for attempted murder. For possession of dangerous weapons, 28 suspects were arrested. Photo: Supplied
During “Shanela” in the Free State, in the last week of June, more than 967 suspects were arrested.
Partnership policing continues to deliver positive results through the multidisciplinary approach of the “Operation Shanela” initiative.
Through strict stop and search activities, road blocks at identified locations and increased visibility patrols combined with detective tracking and tracing operations, 50 suspects were arrested for drug possession, nine for rape, four for murder and 14 for attempted murder. For possession of dangerous weapons, 28 suspects were arrested.
Twenty-one suspects were arrested for property crimes, 45 were arrested for malicious damage to property and 107 were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In Virginia, on June 26, Crime Intelligence members provided information about two suspicious vehicles seen around gas stations. Three suspects were arrested after an illegal firearm was found in the vehicle. The second vehicle, a VW Golf, was tracked and found with three occupants, firearm was found and seized.
In another incident, a vehicle was tracked and stopped. The three men found in the vehicle were also arrested after a 9mm firearm was found and seized.
In Rouxville, a foreigner was arrested after his bakkie was stopped at a roadblock. When members searched the bakkie, they found boxes full of illegal cigarettes with an estimated value of R12 million.
In Springfontein, two men aged 23 and 25 were arrested after being stopped by Highway Patrol officers on the N1. An estimated R1.7 million worth of luggage was found in the boot of their bakkie.
An illegal alien was arrested in Batho after he was found with an unlicensed firearm. This happened after police received information that the suspect may have been part of a group that robbed a candy store.
Detective tracing operations as part of “Operation Shanela” also continued and over 215 suspects without the necessary legal papers to be in South Africa were referred to Home Affairs for further processing. Thirty-three people were arrested for drink driving while 253 drivers were fined for violating the traffic law.
Work continues across the province and the community is urged to continue to provide information about crimes taking place and to work with police to identify possible suspects.
Marti Will
www.news24.com
