Hundreds arrested, gun recovered during recent Operation Shanela
The provincial operation resulted in the apprehension of six murder suspects.
Crime hotspots raided as police arrest over 300 suspects for various offences, including murder and rape during integrated multidisciplinary operation in Akasia, north of Tshwane, on Thursday, April 24.
Conducted under the leadership of Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, this Operation Shanela involved stakeholders from the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, and Tracker SA.
The key priorities of the operation were to enhance crime prevention and law enforcement visibility.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Captain Johan Van Dyk, the operation resulted in significant successes, including the arrest of 382 suspects for various offences, the detention of wanted individuals, the enforcement of liquor regulations, and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm.
“302 suspects were arrested by Tshwane detectives for various offences, including, 94 for gender-based violence, six for murder, two for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery, and five for rape,” he said.
As a result of two roadblocks in Akasia, while two additional operational teams carried out compliance inspections and law enforcement actions throughout the precinct, undocumented individuals were apprehended and premises were inspected.
“62 undocumented individuals were detained and are currently undergoing legal processing for deportation. Two employers were arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.”
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He further said 26 identified premises and crime hotspots were searched, resulting in three arrests for drug possession as well as the confiscation of eleven sachets of various narcotics and an undisclosed amount of cash.
“Liquor compliance inspections were conducted at eleven establishments, six of which were shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act. A total of 520,595ml of alcohol was confiscated.”
He said traffic law enforcement resulted in the issuance of 186 AARTO infringement notices totalling R96,050, and the arrest of one person for reckless and negligent driving.
“One individual was arrested for possession of illegal ammunition and car-breaking equipment and another suspect was apprehended for possession of an unlicensed firearm.”
“The firearm will be sent for ballistic analysis to determine if it has been used in the commission of other crimes.”
He said a total 958 individuals and 576 vehicles were searched and additionally, 3 inspected to determine their status.
Mthombeni commended all SAPS members and partner stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and professionalism during the operation, particularly under adverse weather conditions.
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