By Augustine Ehikioya
Moving against crimes and criminality, Police officials in conjunction with other security forces have arrested a total of 2,523 suspects in the North West Province of South Africa.
The arrests, covering various crimes, were carried out from 19th of December, 2022 to date.
A statement by Colonel Adéle Myburgh of the South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West, has disclosed this. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “With more boots on the ground to heighten visibility, Police in the Province in conjunction with other security forces have been working hard to ensure that members of the community are and feel safe.
“A total of 2523 arrests have been effected from 19 December 2022, to date for various offences. They include 309 suspects arrested for drug related crime, 618 for contact crime (including murder, attempted murder, assault, rape and other sexual offences), 9 for truck hijacking,”
Others, it said, include 13 for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 64 for house burglaries, 111 for malicious damage to property, 30 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 32 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Also 1,041 were arrested for liquor related cases (drinking in public, drunk in a public place, illegal dealing and distribution of liquor), 74 for contravention of the Domestic Violence Act, while 143 undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
The statement said that during the operations, 26 stolen / robbed vehicles were recovered and 22 dangerous weapons were seized among other items.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, it said, commended the Law Enforcement Officers for the successes and pointed out that the operations will continue to ensure the well-being and safety of all citizens through enhancement of Police visibility.
