Operation Shanela nets over 300 in east
Several people were arrested for public drinking and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Several liquor establishments were shut down, crime hotspots raided and drug dealers nabbed in the east of Pretoria on Saturday.
Over 300 suspects were arrested for various offences during this Operation Shanela in Silverton and Garsfontein.
The multidisciplinary operation was executed under the command of Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine.
A multi-stakeholder law enforcement team included representatives from the Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic and Tshwane Metro Police Department as well as Tracker SA.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said Tshwane detectives were responsible for the arrest of 249 suspects for various offences, including 75 for gender-based violence, 5 for murder, 3 for attempted murder, 12 for armed robbery and 3 for rape.
“This operation resulted in the arrest of 318 suspects for various offences including wanted individuals.”
Van Dyk said 803 people and 258 vehicles were searched. Additionally, 79 vehicles were verified to determine if they had been reported stolen, leading to the recovery of a Toyota Prado that had been stolen in Garsfontein earlier this month.
A roadblock was established in Silverton while two operational teams conducted compliance raids and law enforcement operations across the precincts. A total of 27 undocumented individuals were detained and are currently awaiting legal processing for deportation, with one person arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.
“Thirty-one premises and crime hotspots were searched, leading to three arrests for drug possession and the confiscation of three sachets of crystal meth and one mandrax tablet,” said Van Dyk.
“Twenty-five people were arrested and fined for public drinking, four were arrested and fined for related offences, and 28 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. One person was driving under the influence while in possession of his firearm.”
Van Dyk said the firearm was confiscated, and an investigation into his fitness to possess a firearm will be conducted under the Firearms Control Act.
“Traffic enforcement efforts included the issuance of 25 Aarto infringement notices amounting to R13 750 for violations of the Road Traffic Act.”
He said five liquor outlet were inspected for compliance, four shut down and copious amounts of alcohol were confiscated.
“During the search of one premises, authorities discovered 410 bank cards, 401 identification documents, 12 cellphones, one laptop, one iPad, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
“The suspect was arrested and will be charged with contravening both the Credit Act and the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.”
Van Dyk said in a separate incident on the same day, around 06:00, the Soshanguve SAPS responded to a house robbery in progress in Ext 3B.
“Two men were arrested and a pistol was recovered. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain if the suspects are linked to other crimes in the area, and the firearm will undergo ballistic analysis to determine if it was used in other crimes.”
Van Dyk said Thine commended all SAPS officers and stakeholders for their dedication and professionalism in executing their duties.
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