A sweeping crime-fighting operation in Pretoria has resulted in the arrest of 310 suspects during the continuation of Operation Shanela across the Wonderboompoort and Pretoria-North policing precincts on November 29.

The large-scale effort, led by the Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, brought together an extensive network of law-enforcement partners, marking one of the most co-ordinated policing actions in the area this year.

Units from SAPS, TMPD, Home Affairs, Community Safety and Correctional Services departments, and community policing forums all joined forces to restore order and disrupt criminal activity.

The operation began on Friday evening with an intensive suspect-tracing initiative spearheaded by SAPS detectives.

This pre-deployment strategy yielded positive results, with 254 suspects arrested in connection with various crimes.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said these included five wanted for theft, 21 for malicious damage to property, six for armed robbery, and five for rape.

He said an additional 75 suspects facing gender-based violence (GBV) related charges were also taken into custody.

“Following the tracing operation, police moved into the second phase, high-visibility policing.

“Roadblocks, stop-and-searches, and foot and vehicle patrols were intensified across known hotspot areas. Officers conducted 600 person searches and 289 vehicle searches, while also verifying 15 vehicles to confirm they had not been reported stolen,” said Van Dyk.

Immigration officials, supported by SAPS, processed 37 undocumented foreign nationals, who were taken into custody for contravening immigration laws.

Van Dyk said as part of the operation’s focus on compliance and harmful substances, 10 liquor outlets were inspected, resulting in the closure and fining of one establishment for violating the Liquor Act.

Police confiscated over 480 litres of liquor during the inspections. Authorities also visited nine spaza shops to ensure adherence to trading regulations.

“Targeted patrols in 10 crime hotspots uncovered ongoing drug-related activity. Police arrested two suspects for possession of crystal meth, seizing three [baggies] of the substance.

“These results demonstrate what is possible when all law-enforcement entities come together with a clear objective,” he said.

He added that the collaboration with partner departments was crucial in ensuring the operation’s success.

Thine has extended his appreciation to all participating teams and reaffirmed the police’s dedication to creating safer communities throughout Pretoria.

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