Zero tolerance operation leads to 337 arrests across the north
During a recent Operation Shanela, Pretoria police cracked down on crime, arresting 337 suspects in a large-scale, multi-agency operation targeting hotspots, serious offences and lawlessness across the district.
The police in Pretoria have once again demonstrated their firm stance against crime after a large-scale law enforcement operation led to the arrest of 337 suspects across the district.
The operation, conducted on January 24, was carried out under the banner of Operation Shanela in the Loate and Mabopane policing precincts.
It formed part of SAPS’s ongoing zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity and was executed under the command of Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine.
Operation Shanela brought together a multidisciplinary team comprising SAPS officers from various units, officials of Home Affairs and Community Safety departments, TMPD, Gauteng Traffic Police, and CPFs.
The co-ordinated effort focused on crime prevention, compliance inspections, and the disruption of criminal networks operating within identified hotspots.
Detectives played a central role in the operation, accounting for 285 of the arrests.
Suspects were apprehended for a range of serious offences, including two cases of murder, one attempted murder, 13 counts of armed robbery, 16 cases of assault under the Domestic Violence Act, and 42 cases of common assault.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Marinda Austin said four operational teams were deployed during the operation to conduct roadblocks, stop-and-search actions, and compliance inspections.
Austin said 878 people and 343 vehicles were searched as the operation also led to the detention of 40 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to immigration authorities for further processing.
Police visited nine identified crime hotspots, where a series of compliance inspections were carried out.
Seventeen liquor outlets were inspected in terms of the Liquor Act, with 12 outlets closed after being found non-compliant. Authorities confiscated liquor, along with four illegal gambling machines.
Traffic enforcement also formed a key component of the operation as 14 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence, while 10 individuals were arrested for drinking in public.
TMPD officials issued AARTO infringement notices amounting to R25 250, highlighting the integrated nature of the operation and the focus on road safety.
Thine praised all participating departments and stakeholders for their dedication and collaboration, reiterating SAPS’s commitment to safeguarding communities across Pretoria.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel
