Operation Shanela yields arrests at Etwatwa

313 suspects nabbed at the Etwatwa and Dawn Park crime blitz

June 17, 2026

Ntsakisi Shipalana 2 minutes read

A SAPS official pointing out to a motorist where they can park their car for inspection. Photo: Ntsakisi Prudence Shipalana

Traffic came to a slow crawl on Vermeulen Street in Etwatwa on June 11 as police officers, traffic officials and other law enforcement agencies stopped vehicles during a large-scale Operation Shanela aimed at tackling crime in the area.

The operation, led by Ekurhuleni acting district commissioner Brigadier David Ngcobo, formed part of an integrated crime-fighting initiative involving SAPS, the EMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police, Home Affairs, CPFs and other stakeholders.

While some motorists complied with officers conducting searches and inspections, others attempted to avoid the roadblock by using alternative routes around the checkpoint.

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Ekurhuleni Acting District Commissioner Brigadier David Ngcobo gives the preliminary breakdown of the results from the Operation Shanela that took place today at Etwatwa, the roadblock was held on 1855 Vermeulen Street. He also gives comment on the upcoming March and March,anticipated on the 30th of June.He was supported by the Traditional Leaders from Etwatwa Ellias Pholwane. Are you supportive of the March and March movement? Share your thoughts in the comment section.#fyp #cityofekurhuleni #benonicitytimes #SHANELA
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The operation yielded significant results across the Ekurhuleni policing precincts between June 10 and 11. According to police, 313 suspects were arrested for a range of offences during the operation.

Detectives accounted for 230 of the arrests during tracing operations, with 139 suspects arrested for contact crimes, 65 for other serious offences and 34 for gender-based violence-related crimes.

In separate intelligence-driven operations, Crime Intelligence officers arrested two suspects for dealing in drugs and one for possession of drugs.

The main focus areas of the operation were Etwatwa and Dawn Park, where officers arrested 63 undocumented immigrants, a suspect linked to a house robbery reported in Etwatwa earlier this year, three suspects for dealing in dagga, one suspect for dealing in drugs and 10 suspects for possession of drugs.

Etwatwa residents were happy to see the police putting in an effort to eradicate crime in their area.
“It brings hope to me seeing such an operation in our community. I encourage the police to continue cleaning up and making us safe,” expressed Luthando Sibiya, a local resident in Etwatwa.

Law enforcement officers also shut down four illegal liquor outlets, arrested one suspect for unlawful possession of ammunition and another for possession of illicit cigarettes.

Traffic authorities issued 25 fines amounting to R13 500 during the operation.

Traditional leaders also showed support for the initiative, with Elias Pholwane of the Kgosi Mampuru Traditional Council attending the operation alongside law enforcement officials.

Ngcobo praised the commitment and teamwork displayed by the various law enforcement agencies involved in the operation.

“As SAPS, we are happy to be making our communities safe and habitable. We will continue until everyone is safe,” Said Ngobo

Shanela forms part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime and improve safety across communities in the Ekurhuleni district.