Operation Kukula continues to yield success in Limpopo following arrest of 640 suspects
| 2023/07/24 |
| The concerted efforts of the South African Police Service in Limpopo to fight crime yielded positive results as 640 suspects were arrested for a variety of crimes through “Operation Kukula” conducted from 17 July 2023 until 23 July 2023 across the Province. According to Limpopo SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant, General Thembi Hadebe, led the operation at Mankweng in Capricorn District, supported by the District Commissioner Major General Lesiba Mashilo and other senior management in the Province, law enforcement agencies as well as various stakeholders on Saturday night 2023-07-22 to Sunday 2024-07-23 morning. The Provincial Commissioner addressed the role players during a briefing session ahead of the operation where she highlighted that as the management they have the responsibility to support all the 104 Police Stations in the Province and they were able to improve the performance through “Operation Kukula”. The General thanked all the role players for their undying support in their efforts to ensure public safety.The operation also made a huge impact in the fight against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse by closing illegal alcohol trade outlets, 87 suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs, 20 for driving under the influence of liquor and 120 J534 were issued for non-compliance to alcohol trading, while various drugs weighing 3,976kg, 239, 60 litres of alcohol and 209 703 sticks of cigarettes were confiscated. Other arrests included two for murder, three for attempted murder, 12 for business robbery, four for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 58 for assault GBH, four for rape, 11 for arson, 10 for common robbery, 31 for malicious damage to properties and 62 for Contravention of Immigration Act. In an effort to fight against illegal possession of firearms and carrying dangerous weapons which put innocent people in danger, seven firearms, 38 ammunition and 19 dangerous weapons such as knives were seized. Police also confiscated thousands of rands in cash believed to be proceeds from the drug sales.In one of the incidents, three suspects linked to a number of robberies in Thohoyandou policing precinct were arrested on 20 July 2023. The suspects aged between 20 and 22 were charged with four counts of business robbery and murder, wherein one of the incidents, a shop owner was fatally wounded. Two vehicles that were used in the crimes were confiscated. Suspect was arrested in Northam on 20 July 2023 for possession and dealing in drugs after he was found in possession of 41 sachets of Crystal-Meth and seven balls of Cat drugs with an estimated street value of R13 000.00 as well as an undisclosed amount of cash. A 44-year-old male suspect was arrested in Polokwane on 19 July 2023 after he was found in possession of 1580 sachets of Nyaope drugs with an estimated street value of R63 200.00 and 120 pieces of Rock drugs valued at R7 200.00A 41-year-old female suspect and her male accomplice aged 53, were arrested for house robbery committed on 19 July 2023. Police confiscated the robbed items including the victim’s vehicle which was used to load the items such as a Compressor, aluminium doors and windows and blankets.”We will continue to intensify our operations to deal with crime in the Province including the scourge of Gender Based Violence,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. |
