Hundreds nabbed in Mabopane and Loate during joint SAPS blitz
SAPS, traffic officers, and law enforcement partners joined forces for a crime blitz in Tshwane, arresting over 340 suspects – including murder and rape accused – and closing illegal liquor outlets in hotspot areas.
Police have intensified their fight against crime, arresting 347 suspects during a high-impact Operation Shanela.
The crime sweep operation targeted areas of Mabopane and Loate policing precincts on August 7.
The operation, led by Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Moses Dladla, brought together additional SAPS officers from across the district alongside traffic police and other law enforcement partners, with a mission to target crime hotspots, enforce liquor laws, and trace wanted suspects.
According to police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, the success of the operation lay in its co-ordinated approach and visible policing presence.
“These operations demonstrate that law enforcement is actively disrupting criminal activities and ensuring offenders face justice. The sheer number of arrests sends a strong message to those who believe they can operate outside the law,” he said.
District detectives made significant headway, arresting 291 wanted suspects during the sweep.
Among them were three suspects wanted for murder, three for attempted murder, three for armed robbery, and six for rape.
Van Dyk said the tracing teams worked around the clock to locate individuals who had evaded justice.
“Many of these arrests close long-standing cases and bring relief to victims and their families,” he added.
A multidisciplinary roadblock in Loate played a key role in netting offenders, as 48 illegal immigrants were detained and will be processed for court appearances and possible deportations.
Van Dyk said officers stopped and searched 511 individuals and 312 vehicles, with two vehicles undergoing ownership verification checks.
Targeted patrols at 47 high-crime locations resulted in six arrests for drug-related offences.
Officers seized one block of khat (Bushman’s tea) and 167 packets containing various illegal substances.
Liquor law enforcement also formed a critical part of the operation, with 16 liquor outlets inspected. Three were shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, and police confiscated alcohol.
“Traffic officers issued 62 Aarto infringement notices totalling R78 900. One suspect was arrested for reckless driving, while 23 vehicles were impounded for violating the Road Traffic Act.”
Van Dyk praised the joint effort between SAPS, traffic officers, and other role players, highlighting its importance for community safety.
“The collaboration between different law enforcement agencies is essential in ensuring these operations are effective and impactful,” he said.
He urged residents to work with police by reporting suspicious activity via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS App.
“The community’s role is vital. Information from the public often leads to arrests and prevents crimes from happening in the first place,” he said.
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