Gauteng Police held another successful Operation Shanela 2 in Roodepoort, arresting nearly 1 000 suspects on Thursday, February 19.

The operation, spearheaded by Provincial Commissioner in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, targeted multiple crimes in the area, including illegal mining, a roadblock at Impala Road where motorists were stopped and searched, and raiding of illegal liquor outlets.

Mthombeni acknowledged that Roodepoort has challenges when it comes to car hijackings, theft of motor vehicles, and illegal mining.

“Other crimes are still there, but they are decreasing,” he said.

The first phase of the operation, which included detectives (called pre-operation), saw the police tracing and arresting 980 wanted suspects, with 280 of these arrests related to gender-based violence and femicide.

The second phase involved a roadblock and raids on illegal liquor outlets, resulting in the arrest of 62 suspects for crimes including possession of suspected stolen vehicles, drug dealing, and immigration offences.

Police officers also took the opportunity to engage with motorists, distributing safety tips and pamphlets to promote community awareness.

The final phase of the operation targeted illegal mining activities, with police dismantling operations and seizing tools used in these illicit activities, such as explosives and pendukas.

Also article: Young woman gives birth at police station