Limpopo Police Seize 13 Firearms, Arrest 1,373 in Week-Long Operation Shanela

Polokwane – The Limpopo Provincial Police carried out a sweeping operation last week, from 23 to 29 October 2023, leading to significant seizures and numerous arrests across the province.

According to South Africa Police Service, Operation Shanela resulted in the confiscation of 13 firearms and 391 assorted rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, the operation led to the recovery of 660,030 ml of liquor, 55 knives, and six stolen motor vehicles. A total of 1,373 suspects were arrested for a wide range of crimes, including murder, rape, robbery with weapons other than firearms, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal dealing in liquor, stock theft, drug-related crimes, and driving under the influence of liquor.

The tactics used in the operation included roadblocks, stop-and-search procedures, and tracing of wanted suspects. The initiative also targeted compliance inspections at liquor premises, second-hand goods dealers, spaza or tuck shops, taverns, and sites of domestic violence incidents, among others.

During the operations, authorities also seized 56,740 counterfeit cigarette sticks, 33 dangerous weapons, 4 grams of dagga, 10 dagga plants, 23 grams of Crystal Meth, and 14.47 grams of Nyaope drugs. Furthermore, 1,267 fines were issued as part of the operation.

Those arrested have already begun to appear in various local Magistrate courts. The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, stated that the police will continue to intensify efforts against crime, particularly as the festive season approaches. “We have put more boots on the ground to ensure visibility as we strive for a safer festive season. No lawlessness will be tolerated in the province,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.