Operation Shanela nabs over 800 suspects in major crime crackdown
Operation Shanela has led to the arrest of over 800 suspects in a major crime crackdown. The intensive week-long operation, involving roadblocks, raids, and inspections, resulted in numerous arrests and significant seizures.
In a major crackdown on crime, police, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and community role players, have successfully executed Operation Shanela, leading to the arrest of 851 suspects over the past week. This high-density operation aimed at preventing and combating crime ran from Wednesday, 28 August 2024, through Sunday, 1 September 2024, and involved a series of comprehensive actions across the region.
During the operation, a total of 5,454 actions were carried out. These included 11 roadblocks, the search of 167 premises, and the inspection of 2,831 individuals and 1,271 vehicles. Authorities also closed down seven unlicensed liquor establishments and inspected 92 others. In addition, inspections were conducted at 35 second-hand dealers and 100 businesses, including both formal and informal enterprises, to ensure compliance with labor laws.
The suspects apprehended were charged with a wide range of offenses. Among them, nine individuals were arrested for aggravated robbery, nine for murder, and eight for rape. The operation also saw 136 arrests for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and 72 for common assault. Additionally, there were four arrests for house and business robberies, 35 for malicious damage to property, 25 for burglary, and 50 for drug possession.
Furthermore, 11 people were detained for illegal possession of firearms, nine for illicit mining, and 15 for drug dealing. The operation also targeted illegal liquor trading, with 15 suspects arrested. Other arrests included seven for theft from motor vehicles and 16 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Immigration officials processed 87 suspected undocumented individuals.
The operation yielded significant confiscations, including a variety of drugs, eight cell phones, 10 kg of copper, nine firearms, 83 rounds of ammunition, 25 liters of fuel, and several other items, including five vehicles.
Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the Provincial Police Commissioner, praised the collective efforts of all involved. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all role players for their continued hard work and collaboration. It is through these joint efforts that we are able to make our communities safer and more secure,” Kwena stated.
