Central SA
Total of 87 suspected undocumented individuals arrested in North West─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:31 Tue, 03 Sep 2024
“The NW police commissioner thanked all role players for their continuous hard work and collaboration to ensure safer communities.”
A total of 87 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by immigration officials after they were arrested in Potchefstroom.
In a separate incident, 42 people appeared in the Coligny Magistrate’s Court on Monday (2/9) for being suspected undocumented workers.
A total of 851 suspects were arrested for various offences during Operation Shanela operations executed between Wednesday (28/8) and Sunday. “The 5,454 actions executed included 11 roadblocks, closing of seven unlicensed liquor premises, and inspection of 92 others,” said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh.
“Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were conducted and 167 premises 2,831 persons, and 1,271 vehicles were searched.”
‘Numerous patrols and stop and search actions were conducted’
In total, 35 second-hand dealers, and 74 formal and 26 informal businesses involved in hospitality and retail were inspected to ensure Labour Law compliance, she said.
The suspects were arrested for crimes such as aggravating robbery-murder, rape, assault to do grievous bodily harm, common assault, house and business robberies, malicious property damage, burglary at residential and business premises, possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, illicit mining, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, theft out of or from motor vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
During the operations, a variety of drugs, cell phones, 10kg of copper, firearms, rounds of ammunition, 25 litres of fuel, liquor, tobacco products, five vehicles and other items were confiscated.
Among other things, 10kg of copper cables were confiscated. Photo: Business Live
The first-quarter SAPS crime statistics show that the North West had a 5% increase in community-reported serious crimes. This category comprises all the main violent and property-related crimes, from murder to shoplifting.
The stats also showed that the North West had an 8.8% increase in contact crimes over three months.
“The 42 undocumented persons were found working at the construction site and they include foreign nationals from Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe. They were arrested after failing to confirm their legal status in the country,” said Myburgh.
