WATCH: Shanela continues to tighten the net for criminals

The operation is a coordinated crime busting national programme, led by the SAPS.

June 23, 2025

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

An officer takes the owner of a Hyundia i10 to task due to an expired vehicle license disc. The owner was issued a fine. Photo: Jani de Beer.

Before the crack of dawn on June 19, hundreds of boots hit the ground as the SAPS-led multidisciplinary Operation Shanela (“to sweep”) was rolled out across Benoni.

According to Benoni SAPS station commander Brigadier Khumbulani Mbatha, this was the first time this year that the intelligence-driven operation was deployed in the city.

“We are focusing on seven key areas, which included an extensive vehicle checkpoint on Great North Road,” he said.

Under the guidance of Benoni SAPS station commander Brigadier Khumbulani Mbatha, members of SAPS central and north, immigration officers, EMPD, national traffic, CPF, community safety, National Crime Intelligence, environmental health and private security companies, formed part of the sweeping Operation Shanela, on June 19. Officers are seen here conducting a roadblock on Great North Road. Photo: Jani de Beer.

“Other focal points included blitzes on drug hotspots, liquor outlets, contraventions of the Immigration Act, spaza shop compliance, trade in second-hand goods, and proactive social crime prevention awareness campaigns. The seventh element centred on intelligence relating to illegal mining.”

Addressing the issue of illegal mining, especially near the notorious Shaft 10 on Golden Drive, Mbatha acknowledged the growing fear in the community following heavy gunfire on the weekend of June 7, allegedly involving rival factions.

Benoni CPF chairperson Reza Patel had earlier stated that information suggested the violence was between Zulu and Basotho groups employed by zama zamas to protect illegal mining operations. The exchange of gunfire sent residents of New Modder and neighbouring Morehill fleeing indoors.

“Illegal mining remains our greatest challenge,” Mbatha said. “It requires a proactive and sustained effort. The only way to combat it effectively is by disarming and prosecuting offenders.”

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni praised the operation as a step in the right direction.

Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni and SAPS deputy district commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela at the vehicle inspection point, on Great North Road. Photo: Jani de Beer.

“Frequent and coordinated operations across the province are producing good results,” he said. “The key is to maintain pressure in our ongoing fight against crime.”

SAPS Ekurhuleni district communications officer Officer Captain Nelda Sekgobela confirmed the following results from the operation:
• 40 suspects arrested for contravening the Immigration Act, and three people arrested for employing undocumented foreign nationals

• 46 traffic fines issued, amounting to R16 800

• Four shebeens shut down for contravening the Liquor Act

• One person arrested for possession of drugs with intent to sell

• Three J534 tickets issued for non-compliance in second-hand goods trade

• A suspect arrested for selling Aldicarb pesticide

• A suspect arrested for possession of suspected stolen property

• Two dismantled motorcycles, suspected to have been hijacked, recovered

• Illegal mining equipment confiscated: 10 pendukas, six crush pots, seven stampers, and 100 iron balls

Operation Shanela will continue to be implemented across Gauteng as part of SAPS’ broader crime prevention strategy.

ALSO READ: Another weekend of zama zama gunfire

ALSO READ: WATCH: Shanela continues to crack the whip