Operation Shanela recovers stolen vehicle, nets over 300
A suspect was arrested for the possession of a hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed firearm, when he was found driving a grey Mercedes-Benz after it had been reported stolen in Hebron earlier this month.
Tshwane police recovered a hijacked vehicle and arrested 314 suspects during Operation Shanela in Soshanguve and Rietgat on January 18.
The arrest was for the possession of a grey Mercedes-Benz reported stolen in Hebron earlier this month and an unlicensed firearm.
Police said the firearm will be sent for forensic analysis to determine if it has been used in other criminal activity.
The operation focused on high-crime areas and included patrols, compliance inspections, and crackdowns on illegal alcohol sales.
The suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from stealing vehicles and possession of unlicensed firearms to assault, housebreaking, public drinking to armed robbery.
The operation was aided by home affairs, labour, Gauteng traffic, Tshwane metro police, community policing forums, crime prevention wardens and councillors.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan Van Dyk said the operation entailed high-visibility patrols of crime hotspots, compliance inspections, and illicit liquor outlet raids.
Van Dyk said: “240 individuals were arrested for offences such as assault, housebreaking, public drinking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and armed robbery.
“Two suspects were arrested for murder, five for attempted murder, seven for armed robbery, four for rape, and 57 for gender-based violence.”
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He said 25 undocumented individuals were detained, pending legal proceedings.
“Should they be found in violation of immigration laws, deportation procedures will be initiated.”
The team inspected 22 liquor premises and found six non-compliant with the Liquor Act.
“A total of 670 000ml of liquor was confiscated and will be destroyed upon finalisation of the criminal cases,” said Van Dyk.
Police searched 2 296 people and checked 1 087 vehicles to make certain that they were not stolen.
“Six suspects were apprehended for dealing and possession of drugs when 133 bags containing various drugs, such as crystal meth, nyaope, CAT and dagga and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in their possession.”
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