Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects over the weekend
More than 900 people were arrested over the weekend for various crimes in Gauteng. The arrest comes after several law enforcement entities took to the streets Operation Shanela to fight crime.
Operation Shanela in Gauteng led to the arrest of more than 900 individuals, including wanted suspects.
Various law enforcement agencies and Gauteng stakeholders, including JMPD and EMPD, Home Affairs, Correctional Services, Community Safety, crime prevention wardens, the CPF and private security firms were involved in the multidisciplinary operation through the Eyes and Ears (E2) project.
The operation is undertaken simultaneously in each of the province’s five districts to consolidate state power and increase police visibility.
According to the spokesperson of SAPS Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the operation is divided into sections.
The first involved detectives tracking wanted people in the province the night before, with about 600 suspects wanted for violent and serious offences, including 128 for crimes against women and children, being arrested.
Roadblocks, stop and searches, liquor compliance checks and vehicle checkpoints were just a few of the many crime prevention measures used.
During this weekend’s operation, several other items were recovered, including 21 cartons of illegal cigarettes, drugs, lethal weapons, including an unlicensed shotgun, and alcohol from unlicensed liquor stores.
A man arrested at a roadblock south of Johannesburg after being found in possession of a packet containing 90 suspected Mandrax tablets was the operation’s high point.
According to Nevhuhulwi, the arrests were commendable, and the province would continue to provide the people of Gauteng with a safe and secure environment.
