SAPS launches Operation Shanela 2 with focus on crime prevention
The police hit the streets of Heidelberg in a high-impact operation aimed at curbing crime, with arrests, inspections, and visible enforcement making their mark.
Operation Shanela 2, a targeted crime-fighting initiative, launched on May 29 under the leadership of Sedibeng district commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho.
The launch parade took place at Heidelberg Mall. Proceedings began with a prayer and a reading of the SAPS code of conduct, reinforcing officers’ commitment to professionalism, discipline and integrity.
Brigadier Phiwe Ndwandwe outlined strategic priorities and highlighted major crime concerns in the Heidelberg precinct:
• Increased truck hijackings, intensified stop-and-search operations, roadblocks and thorough searches.
Some focus areas: Tracing and arrest warrants, liquor compliance inspections and implementing the Take a Child to Work community initiative.
Some role players involved included the Infrastructure Task and Trio Task teams, Gauteng Traffic, the District Drone Team, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and Siyabangena patrollers.
The operation recorded these successes:
• Persons searched: 513;
• Vehicle searched: 258;
• Vehicles tested: 36;
• Stop-and-searches: 11;
• Liquor outlet visits: One;
• Hotspots patrolled: Four;
• Roadblocks: One;
• Premises searched: Nine;
• Taxi ranks visited: Three,
• ATMs: 12;
• Petrol stations: Seven,
• Spaza shop visit: 19;
• Street vendors 8:
• Person Identification Verification Application: 46.
Officers issued traffic fines valued at about R80 000.
There were arrests for possession of drugs and illicit cigarettes, undocumented persons (Malawi and Zimbabwe citizens), overloading of passenger vehicles, and selling of liquor without a license.
