More than 1 000 wanted suspects arrested in Gauteng operations

Police arrested more than 1 000 wanted suspects across Gauteng in overnight operations, while a multidisciplinary operation in Kempton Park led to 51 additional arrests.

Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana led Operation Shanela II in the Kempton Park policing precinct on September 17, joined by senior SAPS management, the EMPD, the Department of Home Affairs, private security companies and community policing forums.

The operation forms part of intensified efforts to prevent crime, enforce the law and improve safety in communities.

ALSO READ: Major General Fred Kekana leads anti-crime drive in Kempton Park

According to Kekana, police also conducted simultaneous operations in Kwa-Thema and Olifantsfontein.

“We are going to operate within the whole Kempton Park policing precinct and SAPS with all its units, EMPD, Department of Home Affairs and we have security companies that fall under the E2 project that are part and parcel, including our community policing forums,” he said.

“The main objective of every operation is crime prevention and crime combating. At the end of it, if there are criminals to be removed from the streets and the area is safe, then the people can feel safe too.”

During a roadblock conducted as part of the operation, officers arrested 51 suspects for various offences.

The arrests included 41 undocumented foreign nationals for alleged contraventions of the Immigration Act and four suspects for possession of drugs.

Traffic fines were also issued to motorists for various violations, and a Toyota Tazz was impounded after being found unroadworthy.

ALSO READ: Police arrest 10 suspects in crime crackdown

Provincial detectives arrested 1 007 wanted suspects during overnight operations across the province, including 211 wanted in connection with crimes against women and children.

As part of the operation, SAPS Corporate Communication officials conducted a crime prevention and awareness campaign in the area.

Motorists and community members were engaged and provided with safety information, pamphlets and SAPS promotional material.

Information relating to gender-based violence and femicide, as well as drug and substance abuse, was distributed to encourage members of the public to remain vigilant and work with law enforcement agencies.

Kekana said Operation Shanela II would continue as part of efforts to reduce crime and trace wanted suspects.

ALSO READ: Gauteng VECs support more than 63 000 victims of crime and violence

The operation also involved increased enforcement of traffic laws and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community structures.

Side Bar: Female body found in Villa Liza

A woman, believed to be about 30 years old, was found partially clothed in Villa Liza, within the Dawn Park policing precinct in Boksburg, on September 17.

Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana confirmed the discovery while speaking during Operation Shanela II in Kempton Park.

“The unfortunate incident just came to our knowledge this morning, at Dawn Park, where a plus or minus 30-year-old female was found half naked,” he said.

According to Kekana, police attended the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discovery.

“Preliminary information shows that it seems the body was dumped there; the incident happened somewhere else,” he said.

ALSO READ: 11 arrested as police target crime across East Rand

Police investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and where the incident may have occurred.

Kekana said the discovery was concerning, but no link to other cases had been established at this stage.
“It is sad; this is not good at all,” he said.

Further details, including the woman’s identity and the cause of death, were not immediately available.