During Operation Shanela in the week preceding Wednesday, 13 March, 163 suspects were arrested for assault, 15 for rape, five for murder, and five for attempted murder. For possession of dangerous weapons, 18 suspects were arrested, and 14 were arrested for burglaries.
The multidisciplinary approach of Operation “Shanela” brings all of the police departments, their government affiliates, and the community together in a united drive to fight crime.
On Wednesday, at about 12:00, the Botshabelo police’s Task Team members operationally followed information about a car-hijacking suspect who has been on the run since 23 February.
The suspect was spotted and arrested at a house in Section A, Botshabelo. A thorough search was conducted on the premises and gold-bearing material (GBM) was found covered with white transparent plastic in the drawer chest. He was also arrested for possession of GBM.
Two suspects were arrested after the Bloemfontein flying squard members found khat plant samples worth R2.4 million in their truck. Members received information about the truck and it was stopped near Verkeerdevlei.
For drug-related incidents, 43 suspects were arrested, while 83 more were arrested during roadblocks and inspections by external stakeholders.
Detective tracing operations are also part of the “Shanela” operation scope, and teams managed to trace and arrest 503 suspects who were on their radar.
Operations are continuing throughout the province and countrywide, and community members are requested to exercise caution and patience when they are stopped at an official roadblock.
