Ndudi Anyim
At least, 1,770 suspects have been arrested by operatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West Province, for various offences.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested between February 26, and March 12.
While 15 suspects were said to have been arrested for murder, 24 others were nabbed for rape, 244 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, 95 for common assault, 35 for robbery, and 62 for malicious damage to property.
Also four suspects were nabbed for arson, 207 for drug related crimes, 345 for liquor related crimes, eight for illegal possession of firearms, 34 for being in possession of suspected stolen property, 67 for shoplifting, 59 for theft and 47 for burglaries.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said the successes were achieved during operations and day to day activities throughout the province.
Kwena said the activities included roadblocks, patrols, stop and searches and tracing of wanted suspects by various units and police stations within the North West.
“ Thirty firearms, 125 rounds of ammunition, 19 knives, 22 cellphones, 69 computer appliances, 37 explosive devices, 223,340 counterfeit cigarettes, 19 vehicles, a motorcycle, cash and drugs consisting of 33 dagga plants, three gram of cocaine, 121 Mandrax tablets, 489gram of Mandrax powder, 245gram of CAT and 182gram of Nyaope, were all recovered.
“ A total of 666 fines were issued including 212 J534-fines for liquor related offences and 49 Traffic fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act. Also, 3, 175 litres of liquor and alcohol concoctions were seized,” he said.
Similarly, operatives in Ikageng had received a report of a breaking at a high school, and swiftly arrived at the football field of the school.
A silver Light Delivery Vehicle (LDV), loaded with 23 computer screens and boxes as well as a projector and speakers, with an estimated value of R275 000-00 was recovered.
A Police source said: “ A 32-year-old suspect, Daniel Cavele, was arrested for allegedly being in possession of suspected stolen property. He appeared before the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court.
“ All other suspects arrested during these operations are expected to appear before different Magistrate’s Courts across the province.”
He further congratulated the sterling work done by men and women in blue throughout the Province.
Furthermore, he said Police will continue to work hard to ensure the safety of all citizens.