VEREENIGING – Police launched a high-intensity crime crackdown on May 28, activating Operation Shanela 2 along the busy Boy Louw Road. It was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, with acting Sedibeng District Police Commissioner Brigadier Mashole Manamela.
The operation was preceded by a suspect-tracing operation on May 27 by detectives in the province, which yielded over 900 arrests. Speaking to Ster North on the arrests, General Mthombeni said the arrests emanated from crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
“A total of 223 of the arrests are related to gender-based violence. Over and above that, the detectives have also secured 60 years’ imprisonment in different cases.”
Mthombeni said the multidisciplinary operations carried out weekly by SAPS members are bearing fruit, addressing essential issues, and clamping down on crime across various districts.
“Today, we are focused on both the Vereeniging and Sharpeville policing precincts. This is after we received information that these stations have challenges with Assault, GBH, murder, attempted murder, car hijackings, and a rise in business robberies. We are here to support the station commanders and the district.”
During the roadblock, more than 70 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including 55 illegal immigrants, seven for possession of and dealing in drugs, and two for selling liquor without a licence, amongst others.
Mthombeni said during the briefing earlier on that they had ward councillors complain about lawlessness in schools.
“Our police are at the schools as we speak to address issues of bullying and children bringing dangerous weapons to schools. Several sharp objects were seized, and the learners were also given a safety talk and crime prevention tips.”
Mthombeni said that law enforcement visibility continues to rise, as police carry out multidisciplinary work with the security cluster, the Gauteng Traffic Department, Traffic Wardens, Community Policing Forum, and through integrated programmes.
He cited that operations restore confidence in residents. He said that motorists passing through the roadblock were extremely happy and responded positively on seeing the police on the ground carrying out their duties.
Brigadier Manamela said that beyond Operation Shanela, police in the district are on the ground carrying out duties to clamp down on criminality and ensure the overall safety of Sedibeng residents.
Manamela hailed police officers who secured convictions for various crimes, citing that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.
