ZWELITSHA – Multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II yielded successful results in the Eastern Cape, 1,398 suspects arrested
In an effort to eradicate crime in the Eastern Cape, police conducted weekly Operation Shanela II together with other external stakeholders.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, they intensified their efforts to combat crime through operations, resulting in the arrest of 1,398 suspects for various crimes across the province.
“Among those arrested, 50 motorists were apprehended for driving under the influence of alcohol, 20 suspects were arrested for the unlawful possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, while 326 suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs.”
Mawisa added that during the operations, police conducted stop-and-search operations and inspections of liquor outlets, disrupted criminal activities, enforced road traffic legislation and ensured that perpetrators of crime were brought to justice.
“Dangerous weapons were seized by the team as part of crime prevention strategies, as well as 530 mandrax tablets and 207 assorted rounds of ammunition,” she said.
“Notable successes achieved during the operation included arrests of 175 suspects for burglary, 30 suspects for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, 60 suspects for malicious damage to property, 60 suspects for murder and attempted murder, 147 illegal immigrants, 416 suspects for assault, and 21 suspects for rape.”
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata appreciated the external stakeholders that always form partnerships with police in fighting crime and in ensuring that perpetrators of crime face the full might of the law.
“These arrests send a strong message that criminality will not be tolerated in the Eastern Cape. We urge our communities to continue reporting criminal activities and/or sharing valuable information with the police. We will continue strengthening partnerships and collective action, as together we can make our communities safer and more secure,” Ncata concluded.
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