More than 890 people were arrested in one week in the Free State during operation “Shanela”.
Dedication from police officials in the Free State province ensured that the High density and multi-disciplinary operation with intelligence led information secures the safety of the people within the borders of the province.
Information received from the community continues to expose drug dealers in our communities as drugs such as Mandrax, crystal meth, nyaope and cocaine were confiscated and 29 drug dealers were arrested.
32 Suspects were arrested during high density stop and search activities after they were found in possession of dangerous weapons.
Four were arrested for murder and five for attempted murder.
Property crimes continue to receive attention as 25 suspects were arrested for burglaries. Kroonstad highway patrol members arrested four suspects and recovered copper cables on the Vredefort road.
Gender based violence incidences were addressed through distribution of pamphlets and dominance in the streets through high visibility with more focus in Mangaung Metro and other districts in the province. Five suspects were arrested for rape and 129 were arrested for assaults. One firearm was confiscated.
Visit to Second Hand Goods shops by the compliance team ensured that all businesses comply with the Act. Anti-Gang Unit members in Thabo Mofutsanyane arrested two foreign nationals and confiscated illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R1 million in the town of Reitz.
Roadblocks, stop and searches which continues on our roads, made it possible for members to arrest 19 people for driving while under the influence of liquor and 109 others were arrested for violation of road traffic Act.
362 Suspects were arrested during tracing operations throughout the province by the detectives and other specialised units. And that also was coupled with the compliance group that consisted of different governmental departments.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane, who was personally on the ground in Mangaung Metro, lauded the members for continuing to put the safety of their community first. “This operations are continuing and the arrests are because of a growing partnership we have with our communities”. Said Lt Gen Motswenyane.
