BLOEMFONTEIN – During a two-hour long sting operation by the police on Friday 20 March, multiple arrests were made in Heidedal in drug related cases. This also included arrests for illegal possession of ammunition and robbery.
The operation in Heidedal formed part of a high-intensity, multi-disciplinary policing initiative across the Free State. Under the banner of Operation Shanela, law enforcement arrested a total of 1 356 suspects over the past week in the Free State. These arrests targeted illicit contraband, vehicle crimes, and illegal firearms.
Operation’s successes
The operations successfully addressed drug-related crimes, the unlicensed and illegal possession of firearms, possession of stolen goods, possession of suspected stolen vehicles, and the apprehension of undocumented immigrants.
During the operation, 36 580 persons were searched and 12 321 vehicles were inspected at various vehicle control points and roadblocks. Additionally, 855 premises were searched during tracking and tracing operations conducted in collaboration with Detective Services.
Various items were seized as evidence, including ammunition, precious stones, and drugs such as Nyaope, Khat, and Mandrax. Further drug-related arrests were made in Kroonstad, where dagga and crystal meth were confiscated.
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In Parkweg, police efforts to curb the illegal trade of precious minerals continued to yield positive results. On Sunday 22 March, members of the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit successfully apprehended a 39-year-old male suspect in possession of an uncertified precious stone.
In Kroonstad on Sunday 22 March, a 47-year-old woman was arrested for the possession of suspected stolen livestock. This, after two sheep carcasses were found hidden in her house.
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In the Amelia section in Sasolburg, an intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of a 47-year-old male for possession of suspected stolen property. Corrugated iron sheets and ceiling panels belonging to a school were discovered at his home.
In an effort to curb cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies and ATM bombings, Vala Umgodi operators arrested three suspects and confiscated 60 explosive units. The suspects will appear in the Thabong Magistrates’ Court soon.
On Wednesday 18 March, members of the Mangaung Metro Visible Policing Unit and the Bloemfontein Public Order Police conducted a roadblock as part of Operation Shanela on the N1 within the Navalsig precinct. The team arrested a male in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Other arrests included:
- 238 suspects for assault;
- 72 suspects for possession of suspected stolen property;
- 67 suspects for possession of and dealing in drugs;
- 39 suspects for malicious damage to property; and
- 51 drivers for driving under the influence of liquor.
Traffic officials also issued 335 fines for various traffic infringements. Of the 1 356 total arrests, 324 were made specifically during crime detection operations.
Major General Apaphia Modise, acting Free State police commissioner, stated that this integrated approach to policing is ongoing and inclusive. “A collaborative approach always carries the team to greater heights,” concluded Modise.
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