Police arrest scores in weekend operation in Pretoria
Tshwane police co-operated with various departments and community groups in Operation Shanela over the weekend.
Police arrested 554 suspects for different crimes during patrols in crime-prone areas of Tshwane over the weekend.
Spokesperson Johan van Dyk said these patrols involved teamwork with departments such as Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic, local law enforcement, including the Tshwane Metro Police Department, and CPF.
“The activities included patrols in high-crime areas, compliance inspections, and crackdowns on illegal alcohol sales.
By the end of the weekend, 243 individuals were arrested for offences such as assault, housebreaking, public drinking, driving under the influence, and armed robbery, as part of routine police actions across Tshwane.”
He said in the Wierdabrug and Olievenhoutbosch areas, Operation Shanela was successful as 228 suspects were arrested including those involved in serious crimes such as murder, assault, rape, and gender-based violence.
“Three reaction groups of officers were deployed and tasked with patrolling and enforcing the law in the Wierdabrug and Olievenhoutbosch areas.
Five liquor premises were inspected, resulting in the closure of four and the confiscation of illicit liquor for violating the Liquor Act. Three crystal meth bags were also found abandoned.”
According to Van Dyk, 52 undocumented immigrants were detained for deportation, and one person was arrested for employing illegal immigrants.
He said 612 individuals and 345 vehicles were inspected and searched.
“Seven premises were also searched, leading to the arrest of 17 individuals for drunk driving and five persons for drinking in public.
One person was arrested and charged for the possession of illicit cigarettes when 350 cartons of cigarettes were found in his possession.”
He said during the stop-and-searches in Olievenhoutbosch, a metallic grey Audi with seven occupants was stopped and an unlicensed firearm reported stolen in a house robbery in 2021 in Olievenhoutbosch was located.
“All the occupants were arrested… the investigation will continue and the firearm be sent for ballistic tests to determine if the suspects and firearm could be linked to other criminal activities.
In total, 49 Aarto traffic infringement notices were issued, amounting to R27 250.”
