Operation Shanela maintains its momentum in cracking down on crime. This past Saturday, 272 suspects were arrested, and an unlicensed firearm was recovered during the operations in the Cullinan and Ekangala policing precincts.
The operation focused on seizing unlicensed firearms, apprehending wanted suspects, conducting visible policing patrols, and enforcing liquor licence compliance.
Captain Johan van Dyk, spokesperson for the Tshwane District Police, stated that South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives conducted the first phase of the operation on Friday night, resulting in the arrest of 241 suspects for serious offenses
“During the first phase of the operation, conducted by Tshwane Detectives on Friday night, 241 suspects were arrested for serious offenses, including 59 suspects for gender-based violence, 14 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, five for murder, five for attempted murder, and three for armed robbery.”
He added that despite the heavy rainfall, SAPS officers were able to establish a roadblock in Cullinan and dispatch two operational teams throughout the policing areas.
During the roadblock, 789 individuals and 170 vehicles were searched, along with 29 spaza shops.
Traffic officials issued 10 AARTO infringement notices, totaling R7,000 for violations of the Road Traffic Act.
Van Dyk said police identified 20 premises, and 13 crime hotspots were searched and patrolled.
Additionally, six undocumented individuals were detained and are currently awaiting legal processing for deportation.
Van Dyk stated that 28 liquor establishments were inspected, and three were shut down for failing to comply with the Liquor Act.
“28 liquor establishments were inspected, with three shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, leading to the confiscation of 54,000 millilitres of alcohol,” he said.
Van Dyk further said that an intelligence-led operation in Mamelodi led to the recovery of a pistol with four live rounds after police acted on community-provided information. He added that a specialised team tracked down and arrested the suspect, who was allegedly linked to extortion and threatening residents.
“The suspect was arrested after failing to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the unlicensed firearm. The recovered weapon will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it has been used in other criminal activities, while further investigations aim to establish potential links to additional crimes,” he concluded.
Major-General Samuel Thine, the District Commissioner of Tshwane, praised all SAPS members and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment and perseverance in carrying out Operation Shanela, even in adverse weather conditions.