Drugs, weapons, and liquor seized as SAPS intensifies ongoing metro-wide operation
Police in Atteridgeville seized drugs, closed liquor outlets, and arrested suspects for serious crimes, including rape and murder, during a high-impact weekend clampdown under Operation Shanela.
Police arrested 356 suspects on the weekend during Operation Shanela in Atteridgeville.
The August 2 operation, aimed at increasing police visibility and restoring order, focused on the Atteridgeville policing precinct and surrounding areas.
“The joint efforts of this team yielded significant results, with 356 suspects arrested for various criminal offences. This outcome is a direct reflection of thorough planning, targeted deployments, and sustained visibility intended to suppress crime and track wanted suspects in identified areas,” said police spokesperson, Captain Johan Van Dyk.
Tshwane District detectives launched the first phase of the operation by arresting 260 suspects, including 65 for gender-based violence-related (GBV) offences, three for murder, three for attempted murder, six for armed robbery, one for perjury, three for possession of unlicensed firearms, and six for rape.
The second phase of the operation, executed by uniformed officers, involved a roadblock within the precinct, supported by two operational teams deployed across the area.
As a result, 34 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and are currently being processed by immigration authorities for court appearances and deportation, with one person being fined for employing illegal immigrants.
In total, 1 240 individuals and 518 vehicles were searched, with three vehicles being verified to determine whether they were stolen.
This resulted in the recovery of a motor vehicle that was reported stolen earlier at Pretoria Central SAPS.
Police arrested 37 people for driving under the influence of alcohol.
One vehicle was confiscated due to non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act and 60 Aarto infringement notices were issued, amounting to R30 000.
Targeted patrols and searches were also carried out at 25 identified crime hotspots, further disrupting criminal activity and resulting in the arrest of nine people for public drinking.
Two suspects were arrested for dealing and possession of drugs when 417 ziplock bags containing various drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in their possession.
Additionally, 32 liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, leading to the closure of 11 establishments due to their non-compliance.
This resulted in the confiscation of 3460 litres of liquor and two gambling machines.
The SAPS in Tshwane says it continues to maintain its zero-tolerance stance on crime through the continued execution of Operation Shanela across the metro.
The SAPS urges residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App.
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