The South African Police Service (SAPS) has made significant strides in combating crime, arresting 14 715 suspects in just seven days as part of a high-density operation known as “Operation Shanela.”

This initiative reflects SAPS's decisive approach to crime fighting, involving various activities such as tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop-and-searches, and tracing wanted suspects.

The operations are overseen by the Provincial Commissioners of each province.

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk stated: “Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country.”

Among the arrests, approximately 2 990 wanted suspects were apprehended, including 84 for rape, 30 for murder, and 316 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

In total, 143 suspects were arrested for murder, while 112 were apprehended for attempted murder. The KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests, with 70 suspects apprehended for various crimes, including 1 615 for assault GBH, marking an increase of 119 arrests compared to the previous week.

Additionally, 153 drug dealers were arrested, and 1 002 suspects were taken into custody for drug possession, with 247 of these arrests occurring in Gauteng.

The operation also targeted illegal firearms, resulting in 112 arrests for possession of firearms, with 32 in KwaZulu-Natal and 27 in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 619 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor dealing, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 197 of these arrests, while Mpumalanga saw 180 suspects apprehended.

The police also arrested 494 drivers for drunk driving, with 149 of these arrests made in Gauteng. In total, 1 778 illegal foreign nationals were apprehended, with 768 arrests occurring in Gauteng.

Van Wyk highlighted the successes in confiscations during the operations, noting that 127 firearms were seized, including 27 in KwaZulu-Natal, 22 in the Western Cape, and 18 in the Eastern Cape.

Additionally, 2 295 rounds of ammunition and 83 hijacked or stolen vehicles were recovered, which is an increase of 25 recoveries from the previous week.

In terms of major takedowns, General Fannie Masemola, the national commissioner of SAPS, praised the collaboration between SAPS Gauteng counter-narcotics intelligence and the Ethiopian Federal Police.

This partnership led to the arrest of a 29-year-old South African female drug mule with R5.4 million worth of cocaine in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Sunday.

In another operation, SAPS, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) staff, and South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officials discovered R25 million worth of cocaine in an unaccompanied bag at OR Tambo International Airport from a flight originating in São Paulo.

Additionally, Sergeant Rachel Shokane Kutumela was arrested in Limpopo last week on allegations of insurance fraud, reportedly cashing out about R10 million from funeral, life, and accidental policy claims.

She is currently linked to six murders. Two more suspects connected to the killing of seven family members in Hlokazi, Highflats, were shot and fatally wounded while attempting to kill police officers in Umlazi.

The National Safer Festive Season campaign was launched in Gauteng, aiming to enhance police visibility and combat serious and violent crime, ensuring safety for businesses and visitors during the festive season. This campaign will be rolled out across all nine provinces.

In Gauteng, police reported over 1 060 arrests over the weekend, including 96 for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni led a high-density operation in Jeppe, Johannesburg District, resulting in arrests for attempted murder, illegal liquor dealing, and other crimes.

More than 200 other suspects were arrested in Johannesburg District for crimes including rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and possession of stolen property.

“Some of the suspects were released after paying admission of guilt fines while others are expected to appear at various magistrate’s courts within Gauteng today,” Masondo said.

The Star

ntombi.nkosi@inl.co.za