Operation Shanela, a multi-disciplinary approach, continues to yield success as more than 800 people were arrested across the Free State.
According to police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli, intelligence-led information made it possible for 14 firearms, including one rifle, to be taken off the streets.
He said two undocumented persons were also arrested in Ficksburg and an unlicensed firearm was confiscated.
“Thabong police confiscated one more firearm after alleged truck hijackers were trapped and arrested. A woman was arrested and two firearms recovered after a burglary was reported at a farm in Harrismith,” said Kareli.
He further said that contact crimes have been a problem in the province and that prompted members to intensify stop-and-searches.
“Their actions resulted in 32 arrests for possession of dangerous weapons. 72 arrests were made for drug-related crimes, including the alleged kingpin, who was nabbed through a multi-disciplinary intelligence-led operation and drugs worth R320 000 were confiscated. Drugs such as mandrax, nyaope, crystal meth, dagga and cocaine were confiscated,” said Kareli.
“One suspect was arrested for murder and two for attempted murder. Ten were arrested for rape and that includes an 18-year-old man who was arrested in Kroonstad after he was caught red-handed raping a 3-year-old girl,” he said.
Furthermore, a businessman and his son were also arrested after a rape case was opened against them In Bloemfontein.
Patrolling and stop-and-searches led to the arrests of 131 suspects for assaults and 21 for burglaries, while 18 were taken into custody for malicious damage to property.
“Due to the severity of accidents, as our province is the gateway to other provinces, 11 drivers were arrested for driving while under the influence of liquor at roadblocks throughout the province. Working together with other stakeholders, 108 suspects were arrested for violating the Traffic Act and other crimes. 78 undocumented people were also arrested, while 360 wanted suspects were brought to book through detective operations,” Kareli concluded.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
