WATCH: Operation Shanela clamps down on crime in Boksburg

Led by acting Gauteng Police Commissioner Major-General Tommy Mthombeni, police in Gauteng conducted a day-long high-density anti-crime operation (Operation Shanela) to clamp down on crime in Boksburg on December 21.

Mthombeni was also joined by other top-ranking officials, including Ekurhuleni district commissioner Maj-Gen Anna Sithole, EMPD chief of police Isaac Mapiyeye and MMC for Community Safety Sizakele Masuku.

The operation’s multi-disciplinary team, consisting of SAPS members, Gauteng traffic police, EMPD, Tracker, crime-prevention wardens, CPF, the Home Affairs Department, and security companies, embarked on different tasks – set up a roadblock on Rondebult Road and blitzed known crime hot spots in the station’s precinct. These areas included Angelo informal settlement, which is infamous for illegal mining, deadly violence and illegal taverns.

The operation, which concluded with an imbizo in Angelo, led to the arrest of dozens of suspects for variety of crimes. Officers also closed down several illegally operated taverns, confiscated dagga and illegal mining equipment in the informal settlement.

Residents were during the crime imbizo given the chance to voice their concerns and provide suggestions to address the crime issues in their area. However, the majority of residents were reluctant to speak out against criminals, citing fear of violent victimisation at the hands of heavily armed criminal gangs that regularly terrorise the community.

The few who had the guts to speak lambasted the Boksburg police for ‘poor’ service delivery, accusing some police officers of colluding with criminals and demanding bribes from those who disregard the law. Responding to the allegations, Mthombeni encouraged the community to report their issues to police management, including the station commander.

Also Read: WATCH: Boksburg’s increasing crime trends, hijacking attract ‘Operation Shanela’