KEY POINTS
- Over 300 suspects arrested in Limpopo for crimes such as rape, murder, illegal mining, and drug possession during Operation Shanela over the weekend.
- Police confiscated drugs, firearms, vehicles, and illicit goods, including dagga, nyaope, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Some suspects have appeared in court, while authorities continue investigations and vow to sustain operations against crime.
Limpopo police have arrested more than 300 suspects in a large-scale crackdown on crime over the weekend.
The arrests were made as part of Operation Shanela, a continuous nationwide policing initiative aimed at tackling serious offenses, including violent crime, illegal mining, and drug-related activities.
Major Crime Sweep Nets Over 300 Suspects
Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the suspects were apprehended for a wide range of criminal activities, including rape, murder, illegal mining, possession of illicit drugs, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
He emphasized that the operation was a proactive effort to restore law and order in communities affected by rising criminal activities.
“In our continued efforts to combat crime in Limpopo, police have arrested over 300 suspects over the weekend for various offenses. These include violent crimes such as rape and murder, as well as offenses related to illegal mining and drug trafficking,” Ledwaba stated.
Apart from the arrests, police also confiscated significant amounts of illegal substances and weapons. Among the seized items were two vehicles, two firearms (including a handgun), three grams of dagga, 18 sachets of nyaope, 20 liters of alcoholic beverages, R330 in cash, and 3,500 packets of tobacco.
Authorities have noted that the crackdown is part of a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks operating in the province. Some of the suspects have already been arraigned in their respective Magistrate’s Courts, while investigations continue into other cases.
Ledwaba reiterated that Operation Shanela would remain active across the province, with a strong police presence to deter crime. He urged residents to report any suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their efforts to maintain public safety.
“This is just one of many operations we will continue to conduct to ensure that our communities are safe and free from criminal elements,” he added.
Limpopo has seen an increase in crime-related activities, particularly involving illegal mining and drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their operations in response to these threats, with Operation Shanela being one of the key interventions aimed at curbing crime and restoring public confidence.
