SAPS officers during Operation Shanela in Tshwane, which led to multiple arrests and seizures. SAPS officers during Operation Shanela in Tshwane, which led to multiple arrests and seizures.
Image: Picture: Supplied SAPS
Operation Shanela has achieved significant results, leading to the arrest of 357 suspects and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm in Tshwane. The South African Police Service (SAPS) carried out a targeted operation in the Mamelodi and Eersterust policing precincts, with a dedicated multi-stakeholder team leading the efforts.
Captain Johan Van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, stated that the operation remained focused on key priorities: seizing unlicensed firearms, apprehending wanted suspects, and enforcing liquor license compliance.
Van Dyk said that the operation, which began on Friday night, led to arrests of serious offences, including gender-based violence (GBV), murder, attempted murder, robbery, and rape.
"Tshwane detectives launched the operation overnight, resulting in the arrest of 306 individuals for serious offences. These included 98 arrests related to gender-based violence, 21 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, two for murder, one for attempted murder, eight for armed robbery, and five for rape."
Officers searched 551 individuals and 415 vehicles, while five vehicles were tested to verify if they had been stolen. Officers searched 551 individuals and 415 vehicles, while five vehicles were tested to verify if they had been stolen.
Image: Picture: Supplied: SAPS
He added that officers set up a roadblock in Eersterust, which led to the arrest of 34 undocumented immigrants.
"A roadblock in Eersterust, along with two multi-stakeholder teams deployed in the policing areas, led to the detention of 34 undocumented immigrants, who are now awaiting legal processing for deportation," he said.
Van Dyk further stated that during the operation, officers searched 551 individuals and 415 vehicles, while five vehicles were tested to verify if they had been stolen. Additionally, traffic officials issued 326 AARTO infringement notices totalling R158 750 for non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
Additionally, 11 suspects were arrested for possession and dealing with drugs.
During the operation, officers recovered 40 ziplock bags containing various drugs, two balls of Nyaope, two shopping bags containing Dagga, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Van Dyk added that officers searched 55 predetermined premises and crime hotspots while inspecting four liquor establishments. All four were subsequently shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, and 90 bottles (750ml each) of alcohol were confiscated.
Meanwhile, during a separate incident, officers patrolling the streets of Mamelodi spotted a suspicious male who attempted to flee as they approached.
"The suspect was apprehended, and upon search, found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with two rounds. Unable to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the weapon, he was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition," Van Dyk said.
The recovered weapon will be sent for forensic testing to determine any links to other criminal activities while the investigation continues to assess the suspect's potential involvement in additional crimes.
Pretoria News
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