Following the launch of Safer Festive Season operations by the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo SAPS, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe the previous week on Monday, 13 November 2023 at Masemola policing precinct, 1660 suspects were arrested for various offenses.
The offenses included murder, rape, robbery with weapons other than firearm, sexual offenses, stock theft, possession of suspected stolen goods, arson, burglaries, illegal immigrants, possession of firearm, and ammunition amongst other offences.
Safer Festive Season Operations Shanela were conducted simultaneously across the province from Monday, 13 November 2023 to Sunday, 19 November 2023.
In addition, Police from various stations attended about 642 domestic violence incidents, and 406 protection orders were served. Four hundred and fifty-six (456) suspects were apprehended for Contravention of Immigration Act.
During the operations police seized 16 firearms, 45 knives, 1028080 counterfeit cigarettes sticks, 47 dangerous weapons, 201.002 grams of dagga, 01 dagga plants, 2.25 grams of Crystal Meth, 38.64 grams of Heroin and 17.103 grams of Nyaope drugs.
The arrested suspects have already appeared before their local Magistrate’s Courts.
The Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General, Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and called upon SAPS members to intensify the operations and keep the momentum going during this heightened festive season in order to realise impact.
“The safety of Limpopo residents, businesses and holiday makers has reached critical point. The police shall stop at nothing to create a safe and secure Limpopo for all,” added Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.