High-visibility police operation nets 1,567 arrests across Gauteng
CRIME CRACKDOWN
Police officers conducted roadblocks across Gauteng as part of Operation Shanela.
Image: SAPS
This past weekend, Gauteng province was the scene of a significant crackdown on crime as police launched Operation Shanela, targeting serious and violent offences across all districts. The operation, which spanned from Friday to Sunday, culminated in the arrest of 1,567 suspects, signalling a robust response to community safety concerns.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the coordinated effort involved multidisciplinary teams working tirelessly to enhance visibility and reassure the public that law enforcement is committed to reducing crime. “Our focus was on serious and violent crimes. We aimed to show a strong police presence in areas that are often hotspots for criminal activity,” she stated.
The operation was comprehensive, with police mounting roadblocks, conducting stop-and-searches, and inspecting liquor outlets in an effort to quell illegal activities and maintain order.
“Among the total arrests, 1,378 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, rape, robberies, and hijackings,” said Nevhuhulwi.
She said the crackdown also tackled gender-based violence.
“In addressing crimes committed against women and children, the team also arrested 180 suspects on gender based violence related crimes,” she said.
Other arrests included suspects facing charges of drug dealing, possession of stolen property, contravening the Immigration Act, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Nevhuhulwi urged communities to support police in the fight against crime.
“The public is urged to continue working together with the police in the fight against crime by reporting any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Hotline at 08600 10111 or anonymously give tip-offs on My SAPS App, which can be downloaded on any smartphone," she appealed.
Police officers conducted roadblocks across Gauteng as part of Operation Shanela.
Image: SAPS
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts from Monday, while others have already been released after paying fines.
Operation Shanela is a national police initiative launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in May 2023. The word Shanela means sweep clean in Setswana, reflecting its purpose: to clean up communities by cracking down on serious and violent crimes.
The multidisciplinary, high-visibility crime prevention operation brings together different SAPS units, metro police, traffic authorities, and sometimes even other government departments. Typical activities include:
Roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints on major routes.
Stop-and-search operations targeting hotspots.
Raids on liquor outlets for compliance.
Tracking and arresting wanted suspects.
Patrolling and saturation of crime-prone areas.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News