More than 300 wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes are behind bars following a multi-agency crackdown in Atteridgeville and Laudium.

Operation Shanela, led by Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine, was conducted from Wednesday evening, September 30, to Thursday morning, October 1.

During intensive tracing operations, Tshwane District detectives arrested 306 wanted suspects. Among those arrested were six suspects for murder, six for attempted murder, three for armed robbery and four for rape.

SAPS District spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the crackdown also focused on business compliance.

“Compliance inspections were also conducted, with a focus on immigration and business-related matters. A total of 80 illegal immigrants were detained and handed over to immigration officials for further processing. Four persons were also arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants. Law enforcement teams conducted inspections at 30 liquor outlets. Four of these establishments were closed, while a total of 83 litres of liquor was confiscated,” Van Dyk said.

Business and liquor outlets targeted

Officers conducted high-visibility patrols and roadblocks at identified crime hotspots throughout the operation. During these interventions, 486 people and 286 vehicles were searched.

Road traffic law enforcement officers issued 114 AARTO traffic infringement notices, valued at R117 600.

A total of 18 identified hotspots were searched. The Department of Employment and Labour also inspected 12 spaza shops and issued five infringement notices for contraventions of labour legislation.

“I want to commend all SAPS members, participating law enforcement agencies and stakeholders for their dedication, commitment and professionalism throughout the operation,” Thine said. “We also want to reiterate that integrated operations such as Operation Shanela remain an important component of efforts to prevent crime, apprehend wanted suspects and ensure compliance with the law across the Tshwane District.”

Members of SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department, the Gauteng Traffic Police, the Department of Employment and Labour, and Community Policing Forums conducted the operation.

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