A two-day intensive Operation Shanela, carried out by police in the Sedibeng District in collaboration with Gauteng Traffic, Emfuleni Traffic, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, the Community Policing Forum, the Youth Crime Desk Programme, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Community Safety, and other law enforcement agencies, has resulted in the arrest of 137 suspects.
The operation kicked off with a suspect tracing initiative, during which detectives apprehended 117 wanted individuals for a range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm , common assault, rape, house robbery, carjacking, housebreaking, theft, business burglary, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of stolen property, among others.
On June 26, multidisciplinary teams deployed across the district left no stone unturned, conducting a stringent roadblock along Moshoeshoe Road to ensure full compliance with road traffic regulations. Motorists found violating the law were issued hefty fines on the spot.
The roadblock was led by Sedibeng District Commissioner, Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho, accompanied by Sebokeng SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier Thembekile Kubone.
Reporting on the success of the operation, police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane stated:
“We arrested 14 illegal immigrants, one suspect for possession of drugs, and another for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Additionally, two illegal shebeens were closed down, and 10 AARTO fines amounting to R5,000 were issued.”
Sergeant Mokhachane also confirmed that 750 individuals were searched, 360 vehicles were inspected withc12 of them undergoing further testing, and 14 identified premises were raided.
“Malls, ATMs, spaza shops, taxi ranks, and second-hand goods stores were visited, and one stolen vehicle was recovered,” she added.
An Imbizo was held in Kanana, Sector 2, Sebokeng, to address community concerns about crime in the area. Key issues raised included poor visibility due to non-functioning street lights and the need for quicker police response times.
Major General Mukwevho extended heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders involved in the operation, commending their dedication and teamwork. She also urged officers to exercise patience in their duties:
“Patience is a virtue. Being able to wait calmly and not get upset easily is a valuable and admirable quality. Those who possess patience are more likely to make sound judgments.”
