Efforts by police in fighting crime in the province yielded impressive outcomes as they arrested more than six hundred (600) suspects over a period of a week.

Eight districts within the province embarked on Operation Shanela with the aim of combating crime in our policing precincts. Police with other stakeholders conducted stop and searches, roadblocks, checking compliance on liquor outlets, and crime awareness in giving safety tips to the communities and learners. During their operation, a total of 21291 persons were searched, and a total of seventeen (17) unlicensed firearms and ammunition and 669 mandrax tablets were found in possession of the suspects. All these suspects were arrested for crime ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, burglary (residential), assault, dealing in drugs, and theft out of motor vehicle.

In addressing the contact crimes, hijacking and house robberies police intensify a high visibility in all hotspot areas in order to achieve a safe and secure environment for all the communities. While members were busy with roadblocks, a total of twenty-two (22) drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of liquor.

They are all due to appear in different Magistrate’s Courts today and tomorrow within the jurisdiction of the Eastern Cape.

Source : South African Police Service