South African police in North West province, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, arrested 1,941 suspects over a two-week period as part of high-density Operation Shanela II Safer Festive Season operations, authorities said Monday.
The arrests, conducted from Dec. 8 to Dec. 21, targeted a range of offenses including murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, dealing in drugs, dealing in liquor, and possession of drugs, according to a media statement by Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone of the South African Police Service in North West.
Additionally, 287 suspects were detained for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, while 83 illegal immigrants were taken in for processing.
Of the total arrests, 848 suspects were apprehended by detectives as individuals on circulated wanted lists, the statement said.
Joint compliance inspections focused on unlicensed liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, resulting in the closure of 59 unlicensed shebeens and the confiscation of large quantities of liquor. Operations also yielded 16 firearms, 255 rounds of ammunition, various drugs, dangerous weapons, explosives, precious metals, and tobacco products.
In a specific operation in Potchefstroom on Dec. 20, supported by provincial personnel, police arrested a Nigerian national for dealing in drugs and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. An illegal substance suspected to be crystal meth, with an estimated street value of R10,800 ($570), was seized. During a related roadblock, four traffic fines were issued, and 20 second-hand goods dealers were inspected for compliance.
“The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo lauded law enforcement agencies for working together in achieving these successes as part of safeguarding the community,” the statement said.