The South African Police Service’s (SAPS’s) Operation Shanela has recorded more successes in Limpopo, with nearly 500 suspects arrested in the last week of June.
In addition to the arrest of 480 suspects across five districts, four illegal firearms and 19 live rounds of ammunition were recovered between 24 and 30 June, the SAPS said.
The operation tackled crimes such as drug trafficking, violent crimes and disrupt criminal activities affecting local communities.
The suspects are facing charges ranging from robbery, assault, carjacking, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in drugs, rape, attempted murder, burglary, theft of motor vehicles, malicious damage to property, contravention of immigration act to illicit mining,
Through coordinated efforts involving various SAPS units and community partnerships, law enforcement officers executed targeted raids and surveillance operations, leading to the apprehension of these suspects, the SAPS said in a statement.
A total of 68 suspects were wanted for serious and violent crimes such as rape, business and house robberies, illegal possession of firearms, and assault.
As part of the operation, four firearms, over R15 000 in cash, stolen property such as cellphones, alcohol, various drugs, and six stolen vehicles were confiscated
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the public for their continued support and cooperation in providing information crucial to the success of Operation Kukula,” stated Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
SAPS out in force at Polokwane Air Show
Also in Limpopo, police were out in force on Saturday 29 June for the Polokwane Air Show, held in the province’s capital city.
The air show was held in partnership with various stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and provided a unique platform for demonstrating various advanced aircraft capabilities and aviation relation activities while engaging with the community.
Various Police Units were in attendance such as Airwing, Task Force, Search and Rescue, Mounted Unit, Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Firearm Liquor and Second Hand Goods Control (FLASH), Mechanical Services, Flying Squad, Career Services, and Corporate Communication. Representatives from the SAPS exhibitors provided insights into careers, training programmes, and innovative technologies.
The SAPS Task Force highlighted a series of dynamic demonstrations, highlighting their expertise in areas such as rescue operations.
In addition, South African National Defence Force aircraft performed a series of precision manoeuvres and tactical demonstrations, with the Gripen fighter jet and Rooivalk attack helicopter stealing the show.
Shanela successes in the North West
Police were also hard at work on Operational Shanela in the North West, with 580 suspects apprehended between 24 and 30 June. The suspects were arrested for robbery, murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol and others. Additionally, 22 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by immigration officials.
In one of the incidents reported on Saturday morning, 29 June 2024, a 64-year-old Ethiopian tuck shop owner in Maboloka village, close to Letlhabile was robbed of cash and cigarettes by three suspects. Police managed to trace a suspect and arrested him shortly after the incident was reported.
As part of Op Shanela actions, 128 premises, 1 910 persons and 1 100 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the confiscation of alcohol, three firearms, fuel, cellular phones, a variety of drugs and two vehicles.