Operation Shanela arrests hundreds in Mams
The operation focused on unlicensed firearms, tracking down wanted suspects, and enforcing liquor license compliance.
A total of 362 suspects were apprehended and one unlicensed firearm was recovered in Mamelodi during Operation Shanela on Thursday morning.
Police conducted a highly effective Operation Shanela in the Mamelodi-East and Mamelodi-West policing precincts under the leadership of Tshwane district commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine.
The operation involved a multi-stakeholder approach, resulting in the arrest of 362 individuals for various offences.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the operation primarily focused on addressing unlicensed firearms, tracking down wanted suspects, and enforcing liquor license compliance.
He said during the initial phase, Tshwane detectives apprehended 305 individuals for serious offences, including 89 for gender-based violence, one for murder, one for attempted murder, 31 for assault and three for rape.
Additionally, 41 undocumented individuals were detained and await legal proceedings.
Van Dyk said should these individuals be found in violation of immigration laws, deportation procedures will be initiated.
“One individual was also fined and arrested for employing undocumented immigrants,” he said.
As part of this large-scale operation, SAPS personnel searched 745 individuals and inspected 405 vehicles, including verifying if any were reported stolen.
In addition, 32 premises were searched, leading to the arrest of three suspects for drug-related offences as law enforcement seized 36 plastic bags of various narcotics.
An intelligence-driven operation was also carried out in the early hours of the morning at a residence in Mamelodi, following a community tip-off.
The house was placed under surveillance and a tactical takedown was executed.
Officers arrested a suspect when an unlicensed firearm with a serial number filed off, one magazine and seven rounds of ammunition were found in his possession.
This firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine if it has been used in other criminal activities.
Further, compliance inspections at 30 liquor establishments led to the closure of 10 for non-compliance with the Liquor Act and alcohol being confiscated.
Major-General Thine commended all personnel for their dedication and commitment to ensuring the success of the operation.
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