SAPS operations see 550 arrests
Operation Shanela focused on illegal liquor outlets in the Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan areas.
More than 550 people were arrested in the Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan areas on March 24 during an operation under the leadership of Brigadier Samuel Thrine.
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said the operations involved high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, compliance inspections, and raids on illicit liquor outlets.
At the end of the weekend, Tshwane police officers [A1] arrested 250 individuals for offences ranging from assault and housebreaking to public drinking and armed robbery through routine operations and standard police procedures.
During Operation Shanela, Tshwane detective teams apprehended 255 suspects, including those involved in GBV, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, and rape in the Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan areas.
Three uniformed groups comprising two tactical teams and a roadblock group were deployed to Bronkhorstspruit and Cullinan.
The tactical teams inspected nine liquor premises, identifying three as non-compliant with liquor regulations. They confiscated 66 230ml of liquor and 1000 illicit cigarettes. They will be destroyed pending the finalisation of the criminal cases.
Van Dyk said, “A total of 33 undocumented immigrants were detained for deportation pending the conclusion of legal processes, with two individuals arrested for public drinking.
“Officers arrested one individual for possession of 800g of dagga and another for possession of ammunition without a reasonable explanation.
“Throughout the operation, they inspected 519 vehicles, with 18 checked for stolen status. Thirty-two Aarto infringement notices were issued, totalling R21 750,” said Van Dyk.
The operations were a collaboration between various agencies, including the departments of Home Affairs, Labour, Gauteng Traffic, TMPD, Crime Prevention Wardens, the CPFs from the respective stations, and councillors.
