With “Operation Shanela” gaining momentum to squeeze the space for criminals, police in the province arrested 320 suspects throughout the weekend. The suspects were arrested during the intensified crime prevention and combating operations for crimes ranging from robbery aggravating, murder, rape, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession and dealing in drugs to illegal dealing in liquor.

In one of the operations in Mmakau on Thursday afternoon, 1 June 2023, Riaan Spies (32) was apprehended at Skietfontein smallholding in De Wildt near Brits, for possession and dealing in drugs. The accused was arrested during a multidisciplinary and crime intelligence driven operation after the team executed a search warrant. During the search at the accused’s place, the team discovered drug manufacturing equipment as well as chemicals used to manufacture drugs and approximately 4000 ecstasy tablets, computer equipment and a tablet gadget. The accused was remanded in custody upon appearance before the Brits Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 2 June 2023. He is expected to reappear before the same court on Friday, 9 June 2023, for formal bail application.

In Bokamoso Location, in the Rustenburg policing precinct, a multidisciplinary team comprising of Rustenburg Crime Intelligence, Rustenburg K9, Public Order Police (POP) and Detectives dealt decisively with illegal liquor outlets on Friday, 2 June 2023. The team raided and shut down three illegal liquor outlets and confiscated liquor worth R58 525.00 and other shebeen operating equipment.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena thanked all the members for their commitment in striving for safer communities through execution of various crime prevention and combating action.