Lentswe, Klerksdorp - The police made strides in recovering stolen goods. Focusing on enhanced crime prevention and combating, the weekly Joint Law Enforcement operations under Operation Shanela II, led to the apprehension of 1 267 suspects. These operations were conducted between September 22 and 28.
In the Dr Kenneth Kaunda, four suspects, aged between 31 and 51, are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court today for possession of suspected stolen goods. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday September 26, by Stilfontein Visible Policing and Potchefstroom Flying Squad members on the N12 (Stilfontein/Potchefstroom).
The police were on patrol when they noticed an overturned white Chana bakkie and went to investigate. On arrival, they discovered copper cables hidden in the nearby bushes. The members also spotted a suspicious Ford Ranger vehicle in the vicinity. As they approached the vehicle, it sped off, leading to a chase. The vehicle stopped after a few kilometres due to apparent breakdown. A search conducted led to the discovery of suspected stolen copper cables in the bakkie and all three suspects along with the driver of the Chana bakkie were apprehended after failing to account for the copper cables. The copper cables, which were identified as that of Telkom, are valued at R290 000.
Still in the District, a security officer in Klerksdorp arrested a suspect on September 22, after being found in possession of a bundle of signal cable. The suspect who was also found in possession an axe and a spade, was handed over to the police and is facing charges of tampering with and damage to essential infrastructure.
According to Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, through the execution of actions such as vehicle check points (VCP’s), stops and searches, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections at second hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses and farms; 1 777 copper cables, 82 fireworks, five Explosive gel, 5 electric detonators, tobacco products, liquor and drugs such as dagga, cocaine, crystal meth, tik and mandrax were seized.
“Moreover, the operations resulted in the apprehension of 76 illegal migrants. 456 out of the 1 267 arrests were for circulated wanted suspects who were linked to the committed crimes through forensic DNA leads. The arrests, among others, included 25 for rape and attempted rape, 289 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm and common, 26 for burglary business and residential, 34 for murder and attempted murder, 48 for driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, 29 for possession of drugs, and 31 for illegal dealing in liquor.’’
