Operation Shanela nets another 1 037 suspects

BRITS – Operation Shanela resulted in the arrest of 1 037 suspects over the this past weekend for different offences. The suspects have been arrested for various crimes such as possession of drugs, dealing in drugs, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), assault common, murder, burglary at business and residential premises, for malicious damage to property, for driving under the influence of liquor and undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. During the operations and execution of various searches, 5 330 persons, 389 premises and 878 vehicles were searched. The operation also led to the closure of 18 unlicensed liquor premises and 200 licensed liquor premises were inspected. Furthermore, the operations led to confiscations of liquor, a variety of drugs, 39 explosives, three dangerous weapons and seven firearms. In other operations conducted, a white Suzuki Ertiga, which was travelling from Delareyville was stopped during a roadblock on the N18 road. The vehicle was searched and 20 master cases of Remington Gold cigarettes worth R425 040.00 were found. The suspects, aged 24 and 34, were arrested after failing to account for the cigarettes and the vehicle was confiscated for further investigation. They are expected to appear before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court today for possession of illicit cigarettes.