Operation Shanela nets over 800 suspects in high-density crime sweep
In a decisive week of action, Operation Shanela resulted in the arrest of 828 suspects across various offenses.
In a significant crackdown on criminal activity, police and a broad coalition of law enforcement agencies have arrested 828 suspects during Operation Shanela, a week-long high-density operation conducted between 6 August and 11 August 2024.
The operation saw collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS), Traffic Police, Department of Education, Transnet, the Gambling Board, Community Police Forums (CPFs), private security firms, ESKOM, and Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS). The joint effort resulted in 31 high-density operations that included 14 roadblocks, searches of 49 premises, and inspections of 41 unlicensed liquor establishments.
Throughout the operation, authorities executed 3796 actions, which included the search of 2006 individuals, 1022 vehicles, and the closing of seven unlicensed liquor outlets. Additionally, 29 second-hand dealers were inspected, with six cited for violations of the Second-Hand Goods Act. Numerous patrols and stop-and-search operations further supported the extensive crackdown.
The suspects face a range of charges including rape, murder, assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), house robberies, malicious damage to property, burglary, drug offenses, theft from and of motor vehicles, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Notably, 67 individuals were arrested for impaired driving. Immigration officials also processed 102 suspected undocumented persons.
The operation proved highly successful in terms of both arrests and seizures. Law enforcement confiscated a variety of illicit substances, four cell phones, explosives, three firearms, ammunition, liquor, tobacco products, and three vehicles, among other items.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised the collective effort of all involved agencies. “This operation underscores our commitment to creating safer communities through collaborative efforts. We thank all role players for their dedication and hard work,” Kwena stated.
