Suspects apprehended during Operation Shanela in Sebokeng
During the operation, 774 individuals and 260 vehicles were searched, along with 20 spaza shops.
SEBOKENG. – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Sedibeng district in collaboration with Gauteng Traffic, the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, Emfuleni Traffic, the Department of Community Safety, and the CPF, successfully conducted Operation Shanela in the policing precinct recently.
The operation was led by the Vereeniging Station Commander, Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba, alongside the Sebokeng Station Commander, Brigadier Thembekile Kubone.
It was carried out by a multi-disciplinary law enforcement team, focusing on crime prevention and law enforcement in the area.
As a result, 38 suspects were apprehended for various offenses.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane said the operation prioritised the removal of unlicensed firearms, the arrest of wanted suspects, visible policing patrols, and liquor license compliance enforcement.
During the first phase of the operation conducted by Sedibeng detectives, 18 suspects were arrested for serious offenses like:
– Murder
– Gender-based violence-related crimes
– Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
– Kidnapping
– Theft
– Malicious damage to property
– Contempt of Court
– Attempted Rape
– Rape
During the operation, 774 individuals and 260 vehicles were searched, along with 20 spaza shops.
Four identified premises and five crime hotspots were searched and patrolled. Traffic officials issued 14 AARTO infringement notices, totalling R6 800 for violations of the Road Traffic Act. Five liquor establishments were inspected, with one shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, leading to the confiscation of alcohol. Twenty suspects were arrested for various offenses such as selling liquor without a license, drunk driving, and possession of drugs.
Brigadier Sibongile Ndaba commended all SAPS members and stakeholders for their dedication and resilience in executing Operation Shanela despite the challenges.
The police urge community members to participate in various structures of community patrols and to report any crimes in their respective areas. Anyone who needs to share information with the Sebokeng Station Commander, Brigadier Thembekile, can contact her on 071 6757 218.
