Limpopo police have arrested 39 suspects for rape and 96 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a seven-day high-density operation that also resulted in the seizure of 10 firearms and 76 rounds of ammunition.
The suspects were among 2 562 people arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela 02, conducted across the province over seven days between September 21 and 27.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the operation also resulted in the recovery of 342 664 counterfeit cigarette sticks, six stolen or robbed vehicles and various quantities of drugs.
Police arrested three suspects for murder, four for attempted murder, two for robbery with aggravating circumstances and eight for sexual assault.
A further 22 suspects were arrested for sexual offences, while 169 were arrested for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and 149 for common assault.
The operation also led to the arrest of 99 suspects for drug-related crimes, 37 for contravening the Domestic Violence Act, 45 for possession of suspected stolen property and 409 undocumented immigrants.
Police also arrested 671 people for public drinking and 112 for illegal dealing in liquor.
During the seven-day operation, officers confiscated 23 dangerous weapons and 21 knives. They also seized 273 078.332 grams of dagga, 19.902 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 11.249 grams of nyaope, 5.5 grams of heroin and two grams of crack cocaine.
The police conducted 15 878 blue-light patrols, 10 319 stop-and-search operations, 120 roadblocks and 4 246 vehicle checkpoints.
A total of 36 607 people and 18 414 vehicles were searched, while officers conducted 1 484 crime prevention operations and 57 drug operations.
As part of efforts to regulate liquor outlets, police conducted 4 391 compliance inspections at liquor premises and 358 liquor control operations, resulting in the closure of 104 shebeens.
Police also attended to 611 domestic violence incidents, served 248 protection orders and issued 2 010 fines for various offences.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers commended police officers and law enforcement partners for their efforts to prevent and combat crime.
Scheepers said the recovery of illegal firearms and ammunition was critical to preventing serious and violent crimes. He also welcomed the arrests of rape suspects and people allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
He urged members of the public to continue providing police with information about criminal activities.
Some of the arrested suspects have already started appearing before various magistrates’ courts across the province.
