OVER TWO THOUSAND ARRESTED BY FREE STATE POLICE IN OPERATION SHANELA II

By: Neo Ntsele

Police in the Free State have significantly increased their efforts to tackle the usual rise in criminal activities through the multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II.

As part of a national directive, the Free State SAPS is conducting focused campaigns in high-risk areas.

During these operations, about 2,181 suspects were apprehended, involving high-visibility patrols, integrated roadblocks, and strong law enforcement actions.

Detectives also played a role in these achievements by tracking and arresting 414 wanted individuals. These operations focused on serious and violent offences, such as murder, rape, carjacking, and robbery, while also enforcing the Liquor Act and addressing illegal firearms and drug possession.

Police searched 38,514 people, 639 premises, and 14,655 vehicles.

Additionally, 3,542 local farms were visited across the province, and 292 formal and informal businesses were inspected alongside the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration Services).

These joint inspections led to the arrest of 83 undocumented foreign nationals.

The Free State SAPS encourages the public to collaborate closely with law enforcement to achieve a crime-free society.

If you see something, report it.

Call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, dial 112, or submit an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPSApp.