A total of 367 undocumented immigrants were arrested during a week-long Operation Shanela across Limpopo, as police intensified operations targeting crime and illegal activities in the province.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the arrests formed part of 2 016 arrests made during the multidisciplinary high-density operation conducted from August 17 to 23.
The operation targeted serious and violent crime through intelligence-driven policing, roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-search operations, compliance inspections and other crime prevention initiatives.
Among those arrested were seven suspects for murder, 14 for attempted murder, 10 for rape, 120 for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, 98 for common assault and 147 for drug-related offences.
Police also arrested 77 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 10 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 23 for contravening the Domestic Violence Act, 409 for public drinking and 99 for illegal dealing in liquor.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 10 firearms, 156 rounds of ammunition and 40 dangerous weapons, including 40 knives.
Police seized 301 413.56 grams of dagga, 26.1 grams of crack cocaine or rocks, 43.058 grams of crystal meth, 102.5 grams of khat and 28.9 grams of nyaope.
Law enforcement teams also confiscated 1 249 049 counterfeit cigarette sticks, 1 140 462.5ml of liquor and recovered nine stolen or robbed vehicles.
A total of 1 833 fines were issued during the operation.
Police and their law enforcement partners conducted 4 132 compliance inspections at liquor premises, 756 inspections at second-hand goods dealers, 1 495 crime prevention operations, 52 drug operations and 435 liquor control operations.
They also conducted 83 roadblocks, 9 416 stop-and-search operations and 3 412 vehicle control points.
Police attended to 578 domestic violence incidents, served 268 protection orders and closed 87 shebeens.
A total of 7 094 vehicles were tested, while 14 899 blue-light patrols were conducted. Police searched 37 956 people, 17 708 vehicles and 1 380 spaza and tuck shops.
Ledwaba said all the arrested suspects had started appearing before various magistrates’ courts across the province.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended SAPS members and law enforcement partners for their efforts.
“We commend our members and law enforcement partners for these successes. We will continue with intelligence-driven operations to disrupt criminal activities and keep the people of Limpopo safe,” said Scheepers.
