Senior SAPS management and other law enforcement agencies joined forces on September 5 for Operation Shanela 2 in Honeydew and Cosmo City to assert state authority and assist local stations in tackling crime.

Gauteng’s acting provincial commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, alongside Johannesburg District Commissioner Major General Phumzile Khubeka, led the deployment in the Johannesburg precincts.
Kekana explained that both policing areas were targeted due to a recent increase in contact and property-related offences. “These include murder, assault, house burglary, theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles.”

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He added that carjacking, house robbery, attempted murder and common robbery were also on the rise in Cosmo City, prompting the province to step in and support local station efforts.

By the time of the briefing, the operation had resulted in the arrest of more than 40 undocumented foreign nationals and the closure of 16 unlicensed or non-compliant liquor outlets. One driver was arrested for driving under the influence, while 12 people were arrested on drug-related charges.

Also read: Police intensify fight against crime

Kekana noted that crime prevention operations were ongoing, with enhanced road safety measures in place to cater for Saturday crowds attending sports and entertainment events.

He also provided a province-wide update, stating that more than 900 people had been arrested on various charges since September 3, including 12 for murder, more than 300 for assault, and more than 130 linked to crimes against women and children.

Kekana appealed to residents to co-operate with officers at stops and roadblocks, emphasising that the police presence was strictly for public safety.

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