Operation Shanela (Kukula) conducted across the Limpopo province from 12 February until 18 February 2024 has resulted in the arrest of 1599 suspects aged between 19 and 56 for various offenses. A total of 12 firearms and 575 ammunition were confiscated.
In gearing up for the weekend, the high density operation was conducted on Friday in Lebowakgomo policing area, comprising of SAPS members from the Provincial and Capricorn District components supported by Traffic, Home Affairs, Community in Blue and Community Policing Forum.
In one of the incidents, four undocumented foreign nationals were nabbed after a car-carrying trailer enroute to Mozambique from Durban was stopped during the roadblock on the R579. Two of the suspects were found hiding at the back of the truck and the other two were hiding inside one of the vehicles.
Police also discovered three goats tied up at the back of a bakkie, with the sail cover closed. The animals were not brand marked. The driver was issued with a fine for failure to brand mark livestock after it was established that they were not stolen.The SPCA members were also summoned and the driver was informed to utilise proper mode of transportation.
The arrest during the operations include, 357 suspects for contravention of the Immigration Act, 130 for assault GBH, 7 for murder, 6 for attempted murder, 21 for burglaries, 17 for rape, 13 for robberies, 5 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 103 for drug related crimes, 270 for public drinking, 32 for illegal dealing in liquor, 6 for fraud, 111 for Assault common, 40 for MItoP etc.
In addition, police confiscated 146102 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes, 42 dangerous weapons, various drugs such as dagga, Crack Cocaine, Crystal meth, CAT, Nyaope and liquor, 39 knives, and 6 stolen motor vehicles. A total of 1643 fines were issued and 33 shebeens closed.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed all the role players for their dedication and collaborative efforts to ensure safety of all citizens within our province.
Some of the suspects have started to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts across the province.