Pretoria: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the successful arrest of 15,298 suspects as part of Operation Shanela, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating crime. These arrests took place over the course of one week, from Monday, 21 October to Sunday, 27 October, marking an increase of 2,479 arrests compared to the previous week.
According to South African Government News Agency, Operation Shanela involves a range of strategic law enforcement activities including tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, and the tracing of wanted suspects. The initiative is spearheaded by the Provincial Commissioner of each province, ensuring a coordinated approach across the country.
A significant portion of the arrests included 3,015 wanted suspects, highlighting a substantial increase of 1,042 more suspects than the previous week. These arrests were related to serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, and robberies. Specifically, 146 suspects were arre
sted for murder, with the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and the Western Cape reporting the highest numbers.
In addition, 74 suspects were detained for attempted murder, and 213 for rape, with KwaZulu-Natal leading the count in rape arrests. The operation also resulted in 1,380 arrests for assault causing grievous bodily harm, and 197 drug dealers were apprehended. Moreover, 1,314 individuals were arrested for drug possession, with the Western Cape accounting for nearly half of these arrests.
The crackdown also targeted illegal possession of firearms, leading to 123 arrests, and illegal liquor trading, resulting in 492 arrests. Drunken driving was another focus, with 478 drivers apprehended, predominantly in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
The operation’s success in recoveries and confiscations was notable, with 132 firearms and 3,443 rounds of ammunition seized. Additionally, 78 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered, exceeding the previous week’s numbers.
Significant incidents during the operation included t
he arrest of a 23-year-old Mozambican national in Gauteng for the rape and murder of a child, the signing of a Cooperation Agreement to enhance security in KwaZulu-Natal, and the bust of a syndicate involved in diamond fraud. In Johannesburg, police seized over 6,000 counterfeit items valued at more than R3 million during a takedown operation.
SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to continue these operations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety and security for all South Africans and visitors. The police service aims to assert the authority of the State in ongoing efforts to combat crime effectively.
Source: South African Government News Agency