As the festive season gets underway, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies continue to intensify their efforts under Operation Shanela, leading to the arrest of 880 individuals for various crimes.

Between Monday, 25 November, and Sunday, 01 December 2024, the operation targeted a wide range of criminal activities, resulting in the arrest of suspects involved in serious crimes such as carjacking, murders, attempted murders, assaults with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, drug trafficking, and illegal liquor dealings. The operation also saw arrests for crimes including burglaries at both business and residential premises, driving under the influence of alcohol, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Notably, 11 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were arrested for violating the Immigration Act, 2002, and are currently being processed. Of the total arrests, 517 were made during targeted operations by detectives focusing on wanted and circulated suspects.

Law enforcement officers conducted searches across 89 premises, 2,906 people, and 1,117 vehicles as part of the enhanced crime prevention and combating efforts. Additionally, 107 compliance inspections were carried out at licensed liquor establishments, leading to the closure of 26 illegal liquor outlets.

Items confiscated during the operation included a large quantity of liquor, 79 rounds of ammunition, various drugs, 16 cell phones, two firearms, four vehicles, and precious metals.

SAPS and their partners remain committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season for all South Africans, and have vowed to continue these operations throughout the holiday period.