FREE STATE – Free State Police have concluded a high-impact week of multidisciplinary operations under Operation Shanela II, targeting armed robberies, trio crimes, and the trade of illegal substances and firearms, resulting in more than 1 100 arrests between 6 and 12 April.
The comprehensive operation saw police search 44 898 people and 16 700 vehicles, detaining 1 177 individuals and tracing and arresting 231 suspects. Working in collaboration with other state departments such as Immigration, officers detained 124 illegal immigrants during the week-long crackdown.
One of the major arrests occurred when the Provincial Anti-Gang Unit executed a four-day tactical operation in Mangaung specifically timed for the Easter weekend from 2 to 5 April. Members utilised search warrants to raid identified properties in Bloemfontein, arresting eight suspects and seizing a cocktail of drugs including cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, Mandrax, dagga, and nyaope.
In Batho, an integrated team from Parkweg Crime Prevention and Crime Intelligence successfully confiscated a significant cache of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, leading to two arrests. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between different police units in targeting criminal networks.
Operations focused heavily on crimes threatening residents’ safety, resulting in 29 arrests for the most serious offences, including ten for murder and 19 for attempted murder. Police arrested 47 suspects for assault and 39 for burglaries, whilst a further 18 suspects were arrested for robbery.
The war on drugs remained a priority, with 23 dealers and 60 individuals found in possession of drugs apprehended. Police arrested 55 individuals for carrying dangerous weapons, whilst others were caught with unlicensed firearms, highlighting ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons from communities.
Police units conducted site visits to scrapyards, second-hand goods dealers, and liquor outlets to ensure legal compliance. Business owners found in violation faced immediate consequences, ranging from hefty fines to formal closure of their establishments, demonstrating authorities’ commitment to regulatory enforcement.
The multidisciplinary approach combined roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints, cordon-and-search operations, and stop-and-searches, resulting in 42 arrests for driving under the influence. “The success of the past week is attributed to the multidisciplinary nature of the operation,” said Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli, Free State Provincial Corporate Communication and Media Liaison.
Intelligence-led policing saw Detective Services focus on tracing high-priority wanted suspects who had previously evaded law enforcement. This represents an ongoing operation aimed at ensuring that law and order prevails throughout the province.
The week’s results reflect sustained pressure on criminal networks across the Free State, with police demonstrating their capacity to conduct comprehensive operations that target multiple crime categories simultaneously. The integration of various police units and government departments has proved effective in maximising operational impact whilst ensuring coordinated responses to criminal activity.
Intelligence led Policing Detective services focused on tracing high-priority wanted suspects who had previously evaded the law. This is an ongoing operation with the sole aim of ensuring that law and order is the order of the day, says Kareli.
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