Police in the Sedibeng District have stepped up their campaign to fight crime and restore law and order through a multi-phased operation known as Operation Shanela 2.

Led by Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mashole Manamela, alongside Colonel Sibongile Ndaba and Colonel Mark Rikhotso, a tracing operation on September 16 led to 149 cases being opened and 131 arrests.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed that the arrests included 63 suspects linked to contact crimes, two for trio crimes, 10 for property-related crimes, 15 for offences detected through police action, and 41 for other serious crimes.

Crucially, 21 of the arrests involved gender-based violence, protecting 18 adult women and three children.

The visible-policing phase followed on September 17 in Sharpeville, bringing together various agencies including the police, the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Drone Policing Unit, and the Mounted Unit.

“During the operation, police searched 515 people and 310 vehicles, tested 88 vehicles, searched five premises and conducted searches at 10 premises identified for drug-related policing. Two illegal liquor outlets were closed, while six traffic fines amounting to R6 000 were issued,” Mxambela said.

During these operations, officers also visited 16 spaza shops, 12 ATMs, four filling stations, two taxi ranks, and three shopping malls.

“As part of proactive crime-prevention efforts, a school safety intervention was conducted and reached 120 learners. The intervention focused on maintaining safety within the school environment and strengthening cooperation between the police, learners and educators,” Maxambela added.

Meanwhile, a community engagement event at Vuka Shopping Centre brought together 100 residents who voiced worries over service delivery and local crime.

Sharpeville Station Commander Colonel Mapalo Khasuli addressed these concerns directly by explaining current police services and local challenges.

During the visible-policing phase, another 32 suspects were detained, including 28 people for immigration law breaches, two for selling alcohol without a licence, and two for possessing suspected drugs.

Officers confiscated alcohol, suspected Mandrax, and logged 2 120 cigarette sticks as found property.
Maxambela reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to merging law enforcement with school programmes and community outreach to curb crime and build lasting local partnerships.