Law enforcement descended on Reiger Park as part of a sweeping Operation Shanela Two, led by the deputy district commissioner of Ekurhuleni, Brigadier Lebohang Machekela, in collaboration with the Reiger Park SAPS and various specialised policing units, on July 10.
Officers arrested over 207 people for a range of crimes, with major busts highlighting the scale of lawlessness plaguing the community.
The multi-agency operation began with a co-ordinated suspect tracing effort on July 9.
“Our detectives arrested six of our wanted suspects from within this very police station. This is not just about the community; we’re cleaning house, too.”
Tactical units and crime intelligence operatives rolled out across Reiger Park, targeting drug dens, illegal shebeens, undocumented individuals and known criminal hotspots.
“In one operation, they caught two suspects, one for dealing in drugs, the other for possession. Authorities seized two high-powered replica rifles believed to be used in armed robberies.
“These fake rifles are almost indistinguishable from the real ones, which makes them as dangerous. They’re used to terrorise residents during robberies, and the community can’t tell the difference.
“In a single roadblock, officers made 12 arrests, while a saturation patrol unit uncovered crystal meth and arrested two more people.
“A separate team focused on illegal trading and immigration violations, detaining six undocumented foreigners, confiscating illicit cigarettes and seizing an illegal gambling machine.”
Also Read: Operation Shanela cracks down on crime in Reiger Park
Machakela said the operation also netted a person with an unlicensed firearm, identified as a repeat offender known for terrorising residents in armed robberies.
“This is a significant arrest. This individual has been tormenting the community, and finally, he’s off the streets.
“In addition, the liquor and second-hand goods team shut two illegal shebeens, further choking the supply chains that fuel criminal economies in the area.”
Despite these successes, Machakela painted a stark picture of Reiger Park’s escalating crime trends.
“This area is overwhelmed by house and business robberies, and we’ve seen a deadly surge in gang-related violence. Just this month, nine people lost their lives to gang warfare,” he said.
To combat the scourge, provincial anti-gang units have been deployed to support local efforts.
“Their presence is vital, and they’re rotating into the area regularly,” Machekela confirmed.
But the police are adamant that arrests alone won’t change the trajectory.
“We need the community’s help. We need information. We need witnesses to speak out. We can’t arrest our way out of crime; we need unity.”
Anonymous tip-offs can be made to the SAPS Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
Also Read: Shanela tightens the net in Boksburg North
