VANDERBIJLPARK – Criminals were forced to hide and halt their illegal activities last Thursday as police pounced in with a high-density, multidisciplinary operation that led to the arrest of 81 suspects during Operation Shanela.
The operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni on January 29.
A total of 59 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, while two unlicensed firearms were recovered, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Police also cracked down on drug-related crimes, arresting four suspects for possession of drugs and two for dealing.
Three liquor outlets were shut down on the spot for non-compliance with liquor regulations, as authorities tightened the noose on illegal businesses.
According to Vanderbijlpark Police spokesperson Sergeant Sabelo Sigcu, arrests also included serious violent crimes.
“Five suspects were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one for pointing a firearm, one for contravention of a protection order, two for theft, three for rape, and one for sexual assault,” Sigcu confirmed.
The operation also formed part of intensified tracing operations, where provincial detectives arrested 964 wanted suspects across Gauteng, including 253 suspects linked to crimes against women and children.
Mthombeni, accompanied by Deputy Provincial Commissioner: Policing Major General Fred Kekana and SAPS Gauteng senior management, received crime briefings in Vanderbijlpark.
Stakeholders in attendance included the Department of Home Affairs, Ward 9 councillor Yvonne Coertze, MMC for Transport and Infrastructure Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, CPF representatives, faith-based leaders, and private security companies.
Police visibility was ramped up through stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and patrols throughout the area.
The operation later extended to Sapphire Secondary School, where police conducted searches on approximately 600 learners.
“Pamphlets were distributed addressing bullying, substance abuse, and gender-based violence and femicide,” Sigcu said.
