SEDIBENG. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng conducted a high-impact, crime-combating operation with the execution of Operation Shanela, focusing on the Sebokeng policing precinct recently.

The collaborative efforts of all participating units yielded significant results, culminating in the apprehension of 111 suspects for criminal offenses as follows:

• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Assault GBH
• Common Robbery
• Armed Robbery – Common Assault (GBV related)
• Common Assault
• Rape
• House Robbery
• Hijacking
• Business burglary
• Possession of drugs
• Possession of unlicensed firearm
• Kidnapping
• Theft
• Arson
• Intimidation
• Fraud
• Malicious damage to property
• Intimidation
• Contravention of a Protection Order
• Use of vehicle without owner’s consent
• Assault on police
• Illegal immigrants
• Malicious damage to property
• Selling liquor without a valid liquor license

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane said that before the day of Operation Shanela, Detectives from across the Sedibeng District were instrumental in securing 91 arrests, which included suspects linked to gender-based violence-related cases.

20 suspects arrested…

On the day of the operation, 20 suspects were arrested as a strong focus on visible policing was maintained and it included an intensified deployment to enforce liquor compliance regulations, trace wanted suspects, and execute law enforcement patrols in known hotspots.

Roadblock on Golden Highway…

“A strategic roadblock was also placed in Golden Highway Road Sebokeng, reinforcing operational teams deployed across Sedibeng, resulted in the arrest 14 undocumented foreign nationals, who are currently undergoing processing for court proceedings and deportation.”

Law enforcement officials conducted searches on 486 individuals and 155 vehicles, while 85 vehicles were tested to determine their status in relation to theft/hijacking. Additionally, crime hotspot locations, 10 identified premises, filling stations, malls, taxi ranks, banks, ATMs, liquor establishments, and during these patrols, 3 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs and one for selling liquor without a valid liquor license.

Traffic law enforcement also formed a key part of the operation, whereby Officers issued 41 AARTO infringement notices valued at R 20300,00 for various road traffic violations.

A random school search was conducted at Botebo-Tsebo Secondary School in Zone 14, Sebokeng, and the learners were also warned to refrain from any illegal activities.

Community engagement in Boiketlong…

A community engagement was held in Boiketlong Sebokeng, where the the Management of Sedibeng District led by Brigadier Mashole Manamela assisted with the community concerns regarding crime in Boiketlong.

“The operation’s name “Shanela”, signifies its goal to “sweep” crime and its perpetrators off the streets through a range of high-visibility tactics like roadblocks, stop-and-searches, and targeted raids. It involves a coordination of different law enforcement agencies to ensure a more comprehensive approach to crime fighting,” Mokhachane said.

The District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho extended her gratitude to all SAPS members, involved Stakeholders and the Community Patrollers for their dedication and unwavering support.