A high-impact crime-prevention operation, part of the ongoing Operation Shanela, resulted in the arrest of 317 suspects in the Ga-Rankuwa policing precinct.

The arrests came as police in Pretoria intensified efforts to combat violence and lawlessness across the district on November 20.

The operation, led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, forms part of SAPS Tshwane’s broader strategy to curb serious crime through co-ordinated, intelligence-driven police actions.

Officers from various SAPS units were supported by officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the TMPD, the Department of Community Safety, and CPFs.

The operation began on Wednesday evening, when detectives conducted a targeted suspect-tracing initiative.

Their efforts yielded significant results, with 259 wanted suspects caught for a range of offences.

Among them were individuals linked to five murder cases, four attempted murder cases, seven armed robbery incidents, and four rape cases.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said a further 86 suspects were arrested for gender-based violence (GBV) related offences.

“By Thursday morning, officers were deployed across Ga-Rankuwa to conduct roadblocks, compliance inspections, and hotspot patrols.

“These efforts led to the detention of 46 undocumented foreign nationals, who were subsequently handed over to immigration authorities for processing,” said Van Dyk.

Police also arrested an employer for hiring undocumented persons and another individual for harbouring them.

“Two suspects were detained for attempting to bribe officers to release the undocumented individuals.

“A total of 639 persons and 377 vehicles were searched. During hotspot patrols, police recovered eight [baggies] of khat and six shopping bags of dagga, which had been abandoned in a public space. One suspect was arrested for possession and dealing in drugs.”

Officers conducted compliance inspections at 25 liquor outlets, resulting in seven establishments being shut down for contravening the Liquor Act. All alcohol was confiscated.

The TMPD contributed to the broader enforcement actions by issuing 71 AARTO infringement notices amounting to over R32 000.

Van Dyk praised the collaborative effort and the impact of the operation.

“Operation Shanela continues to demonstrate that when law enforcement agencies work together, we can reclaim our communities from criminal elements.

“The arrests made in Ga-Rankuwa reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents,” he said.

Thine also extended appreciation to all participating departments and community partners for their role in ensuring the operation’s success.

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