Free State—Operation Shanela, a multi-disciplinary police operation in the Free State, has resulted in the arrest of over 1000 suspects in the past week.

According to a new release by South African Police Service, the operation targeted a range of crimes and included participation from various departments and communities. A total of 105 suspects were arrested for assault, 24 for rape, eight for murder, and five for attempted murder. Other arrests include five for robberies, eight for possession of dangerous weapons, and 26 for burglaries.

In addition to these, 37 illegal and undocumented individuals were apprehended in efforts to combat illicit mining, and 48 were arrested for drug-related incidents. During roadblocks and inspections by external stakeholders, 47 more were taken into custody.

The operation also includes detective tracing operations that have so far managed to trace and arrest 424 suspects who were on their radar. Police operations continue throughout the province, and the community is advised to exercise caution and patience when stopped at an official roadblock.