The South African Police Service (SAPS) reports significant successes in Operation Shanela, which runs alongside the ongoing Safer Festive Season operations. From 20 to 26 October 2025, the operations led to the arrest of 16 339 suspects and the confiscation of 158 unlicensed firearms across the country.

Key arrests and crime statistics:

• Wanted suspects: 2 713 individuals linked to serious crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, sexual offences, car hijackings, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

• Murder: 90 arrests nationwide (Eastern Cape 23, Gauteng 21)

• Attempted murder: 102 arrests

• Rape: 227 arrests (KwaZulu-Natal 80, Gauteng 49)

• Drug dealing: 292 arrests (Western Cape 78, KZN 63, Eastern Cape 44, Gauteng 40)

• Possession of drugs: 2 001 arrests (Western Cape 976, KZN 381, Gauteng 262, Eastern Cape 184)

• Illegal firearms possession: 132 arrests

• DUI arrests: 866 (Gauteng 275, Mpumalanga 198, KZN 122)

• Assault GBH: 1 464 arrests

• Illegal liquor trade: 734 arrests

Major Seizures and recoveries:

• Ammunition: 1 917 rounds seized

• Dangerous weapons: 724 recovered

• Alcohol: 25 964 litres confiscated

• Contraband goods: Valued over R29.6 million

• Stolen vehicles recovered: 65 (sedans, trucks, motorcycles)

Highlights from Operation Shanela 2:

• Illegally imported electronics: Cell phones, mainly Apple iPhones, Samsung devices, and accessories worth over R17 million, including two-way radios, seized. Investigations ongoing.

• Gauteng shootout: Three suspected kidnappers shot dead in Parktown on 24 October 2024. Suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping of a Chinese national and a recent attempted businessman abduction. Two unlicensed firearms recovered.

• Illegal mining arrests: Six illegal miners arrested at Protea Mine, Magaliesberg on 24 October 2025. Seized items included four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel.

• Tavern shooting suspect arrested: One suspect linked to the 5 October 2025 tavern shooting in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, which left five dead and six injured, is facing five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder.

Operation Shanela continues to demonstrate the SAPS’s commitment to reducing crime and ensuring community safety across South Africa, particularly during the festive season.