Eastern Cape police have arrested 1 154 suspects and confiscated firearms, ammunition, drugs and other illicit goods during intensified weekly operations under Operation Shanela II across the province.
The high-density operations are aimed at combating serious and violent crime and disrupting criminal activities across various districts.
Police conducted stop-and-searches, roadblocks, tracing operations, compliance inspections and search warrant operations as part of the ongoing crackdown.
The operations resulted in arrests for a range of offences, including murder, attempted murder, robbery, burglary, rape, assault, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, drug-related crimes and other serious offences.
Among the arrests were 276 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 127 for common assault, 54 drivers for drunken driving, 94 suspected illegal immigrants and 13 suspects for the illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
Police also confiscated 1 921 mandrax tablets, 294 illicit cigarettes, 651 units of abalone, 13 firearms, including rifles and shotguns, and 243 rounds of ammunition.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, commended police members and other role-players involved in the operations for their commitment to keeping communities safe.
“Our message to criminals is clear, we will continue to disrupt any criminal activities and ensure that those involved are brought before the courts,” said Ncata.
“Operation Shanela II remains in full swing, and our members will continue working tirelessly to make the Eastern Cape a safer province.”
Police said the high-density operations will continue across the province as part of efforts to prevent and combat crime and ensure that suspects are brought to justice.
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