Over 220 suspects arrested during Operation Shanela across Ekurhuleni
Also, two unlicensed firearms were seized and five illegal shebeens shut down during the operation.
More than 220 suspects were arrested during Operation Shanela conducted across the Ekurhuleni policing precincts between July 17 and 19, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The weekend operation, carried out by SAPS and various law enforcement agencies, targeted priority crimes across the district as part of ongoing efforts to combat crime and enforce the law.
According to a statement by SAPS, the operation resulted in the closure of five illegal shebeens, while two unlicensed firearms and ammunition were confiscated.
In Ivory Park on July 17, an intelligence-driven operation involving SAPS Ivory Park Crime Intelligence, Gauteng Traffic Police, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit and Fidelity ITOC led to the arrest of a 54-year-old man in Ext 5, Kaalfontein.
Police said the suspect was allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol, two magazines and 15 rounds of live ammunition.
On the same day, an intelligence-led operation at Marathon informal settlement in Primrose, involving the SAPS Primrose Crime Prevention Unit and private security partners, led to the arrest of a suspect allegedly found in possession of 70 Emex explosives.
In a separate incident at the same informal settlement, police arrested a 36-year-old man who was allegedly found in possession of a Verta 9mm firearm, a magazine and 20 rounds of live ammunition. A second suspect, aged 34, was allegedly found in possession of 35 rounds of live rifle ammunition. Both suspects were detained at Primrose SAPS.
SAPS detectives also arrested 145 suspects during tracing operations conducted across the Ekurhuleni policing precincts on July 18.
Of those arrested, 78 were wanted for contact crimes, eight for property-related crimes, 51 for other serious offences and 13 for gender-based violence-related offences.
Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended police members for their continued efforts to combat crime and improve safety across the district.
According to SAPS, Sithole praised officers for their commitment to reducing crime and protecting communities.
