67 arrested in Operation Shanela II roadblocks across Cleveland and M2 highway
A multidisciplinary law enforcement operation led by the police in Gauteng has resulted in 67 arrests and multiple seizures during roadblocks in Cleveland and along the M2 highway in Johannesburg.
Over 60 suspects were arrested during a series of law enforcement operations conducted in Cleveland and along the M2 Highway in Johannesburg as part of Operation Shanela II.
According to a police statement, the operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, together with JMPD Chief Patrick Jaca, as part of a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary crime prevention effort.
The second phase of Operation Shanela II included high-visibility roadblocks in Cleveland and along the M2 Highway, supported by patrols, vehicle checkpoints and community engagement initiatives aimed at strengthening crime prevention in Johannesburg.
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So far, the operation has resulted in 67 arrests for various offences, including 49 undocumented foreign nationals, 10 cases of dealing in liquor without a licence, two arrests under the Second Hand Goods Act, five drug-related arrests and one arrest for possession of unlicensed firearm ammunition.
Authorities also seized a range of illegal mining equipment, including phendukas, generators, gas bottles and a gambling machine.
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Police confirmed that the first phase of Operation Shanela focused on overnight suspect-tracing operations conducted by detectives across the province, resulting in the arrest of 898 wanted suspects linked to various crimes.
The ongoing second phase continues to intensify crime prevention operations through patrols, roadblocks, vehicle searches and community policing initiatives.
