Limpopo police have arrested 320 undocumented foreigners during a week-long crime crackdown that saw 2,337 suspects arrested for various offences, including murder, rape, drug-related crimes and fraud.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo said provincial spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the arrests were made during Operation Shanela II, conducted across the province from October 12 to 18.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of 11 firearms, more than three million sticks of counterfeit cigarettes, the recovery of six stolen or robbed vehicles and the closure of 95 illegal shebeens.
The high-density operations targeted serious and violent crimes, drug-related offences, illegal possession of firearms, stock theft, fraud, unlawful liquor trading and other criminal activities.
Among those arrested were 17 suspects for rape, 12 for murder, 10 for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five for attempted murder and four for sexual assault.
Police also arrested 177 suspects for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, 104 for common assault, 23 for residential burglary, 20 for business burglary and three for stock theft.
A further 191 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences, 15 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 36 for possession of suspected stolen property and 44 for other theft-related offences.
The operation also saw 605 people arrested for public drinking, 106 for illegal dealing in liquor and 15 for fraud.
Police confiscated 72.618kg of dagga, 90.282g of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as tik, and 168.002g of nyaope.
Eleven firearms and 30 rounds of ammunition were seized, while 3,210,752 sticks of counterfeit cigarettes and 62 dangerous weapons were confiscated.
Police also attended to 567 domestic violence incidents and served 237 protection orders across the province.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised police officers and other law-enforcement agencies for their efforts to combat crime and improve community safety.
“Illegal firearms increase violent crime, while drug-related offences, stock theft and fraud threaten the safety and livelihoods of our communities. We will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice,” Scheepers said.
He urged community members to work with the police by reporting criminal activities in their areas, adding that public participation remained vital in creating safer communities.
Some of the arrested suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts across Limpopo.
