A crime prevention and combating Operation Shanela squeezed the space for criminals to breath in the North West at the weekend, netting more than 300 suspects.
Some of the 320 suspects are still expected in the province’s courts after they were nabbed for crimes ranging from aggravating robbery, murder, rape, attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession and dealing in drugs, and illegal dealing in liquor.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said: “In one of the operations in Mmakau on Thursday afternoon, Riaan Spies, 32, was apprehended at Skietfontein smallholding in De Wildt near Brits for possession and dealing in drugs.
“The accused was arrested during a crime intelligence-driven operation after the team executed a search warrant.
“During the search at the accused’s place, the team discovered drug-manufacturing equipment and chemicals used to manufacture drugs and about 4 000 ecstasy tablets, computer equipment, and a tablet gadget.
“The accused was remanded in custody upon appearance before the Brits magistrate’s court on Friday. He is expected to reappear before the same court on Friday, June 9 for formal bail application.”
Mokgwabone also detailed another incident where an arrest was made.
“In Bokamoso in the Rustenburg policing precinct, a multi-disciplinary team comprising Rustenburg crime intelligence, K9 unit, public order police, and detectives dealt decisively with illegal liquor outlets on Friday.
“The team raided and shut down three illegal liquor outlets and confiscated liquor worth R58 525 and shebeen-operating equipment.”
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena lauded the police members who took part in the operation, saying it was a success.
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