Operation Shanela: More than 23,000 suspects arrested nationwide

More than 23,000 suspects were arrested across South Africa in just one week as police intensified nationwide crime prevention operations targeting violent crime, drug-related offences, illegal firearms and immigration violations.

The latest figures, which were released in a South African Police Service update shared on social media on Monday, provide a snapshot of the outcomes achieved during Operation Shanela between 29 June and 5 July.

The campaign also comes as police continue maintaining a visible presence in several areas affected by recent anti-illegal immigration demonstrations.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 23,011 suspects for various offences, while detectives tracked down a further 2,391 wanted suspects linked to serious crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, house robberies, business robberies, drug-related offences and the illegal possession of firearms.

Police also arrested 6,807 undocumented migrants for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act during coordinated operations conducted across multiple provinces.

Among the week’s notable results were 127 arrests for murder, 143 for attempted murder, 179 for rape, 1,434 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), 2,783 for possession of drugs, 495 for possession of dangerous weapons, 282 for malicious damage to property, 282 arrests for dealing in drugs, 654 for the illegal sale of liquor, and 724 motorists allegedly caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Operational teams also confiscated 121 unlicensed firearms, 2,584 rounds of ammunition, recovered various drugs and traced 52 hijacked or stolen vehicles during the nationwide campaign.

Western Cape operations contributed significantly to the week’s results. Border Policing members at Cape Town International Airport arrested a 46-year-old man after allegedly discovering 50.7kg of suspected khat in his luggage on 4 July.

In a separate operation in Gugulethu, police uncovered an alleged illicit liquor manufacturing facility, arresting five suspects and seizing liquor, labels, containers and chemical equipment.

Elsewhere, Gauteng police arrested three suspects believed to be linked to a house robbery, kidnapping and attempted rape case reported in Rustenburg earlier this month. Police said investigations into that matter remain ongoing.

In another case highlighted by SAPS, two men aged 40 and 49 including a Mozambican national were arrested for allegedly fitting and possessing blue lights on a private vehicle. Police reminded motorists that installing or using blue lights without lawful authority is a criminal offence.

While releasing the latest figures, SAPS said officers remain on high alert as anti-illegal immigration protests continue in parts of the country. Police urged demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right to protest peacefully and warned against violence, intimidation, damage to property or the spread of unverified information on social media

Police said Operation Shanela will continue as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime, improve public safety and maintain law and order across the country.

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Source: SAPS