The police confirmed on Monday that the operation, carried out from April 17 to 19, resulted in 1 031 arrests for various offences during the latest Operation Shanela II.

The arrests were made across all five districts in the province, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, the West Rand and Sedibeng. According to police, 307 arrests were made through visible policing operations.

These included 103 undocumented immigrants, 54 suspects arrested for dealing in or possession of drugs, and 72 for driving under the influence of alcohol. A further 32 individuals were arrested for illegal liquor-related offences.

In addition, 724 wanted suspects were apprehended for serious and violent crimes.

Operation Shanela is a multidisciplinary, integrated initiative involving various law enforcement and government stakeholders, including SAPS units, metro police departments, Gauteng Traffic, the Department of Home Affairs, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, community policing forums and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears Initiative.

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Gauteng police provincial commissioner Tommy Mthombeni commended the teams for their coordinated efforts.

“Operation Shanela demonstrates that much can be achieved when law enforcement and the community work together in the fight against crime.

“Criminality will not be tolerated in Gauteng, and we remain resolute in our fight against crime,” he said.

Police also thanked members of the public for their support and for providing tip-offs that contribute to arrests.

Residents are encouraged to report criminal activity by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111, visiting their nearest police station or using the MySAPS app.

Operation Shanela remains a weekly initiative across Gauteng, with deployments adjusted according to crime patterns and community concerns.

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