Police in Evaton have arrested 159 suspects following a successful high-density Operation Shanela II led by Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho together with Operational Commander Brigadier Doctor Sibuyi. The operation involved both visible policing and detective tracing.

Spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed that visible policing teams made 28 arrests, which included 24 people for being undocumented, one for common assault, one for possessing illicit cigarettes, one for dealing in second-hand goods, and one for selling alcohol without a licence.

During these operations, officers searched 607 people and 210 vehicles, tested 61 vehicles, searched 11 premises, and visited seven liquor outlets. Compliance and crime-prevention patrols were also carried out at ATMs, tuck shops, hotspots, filling stations, taxi ranks, and shopping complexes, resulting in 19 traffic fines totalling R14 400.

Authorities seized 640 illicit cigarettes, various quantities of liquor, and 20 ziplock bags containing suspected dagga. A blank firearm with five rounds of ammunition was also recovered and booked in as found property.

Meanwhile, the detective tracing phase commanded by District Detective Commander Colonel Christiaan Rikhotso saw detectives handle 149 cases and arrest 131 suspects.

These arrests involved serious offences including murder, rape, armed and common robbery, truck hijacking, housebreaking, business burglary, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, extortion, illegal firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen property, and breaches of protection orders.

Maxambela highlighted that 21 arrests were tied to gender-based violence, protecting 18 adult female victims and three child victims.

Mukwevho praised all participating police members and stakeholders, confirming that similar high-density operations will continue across the Sedibeng District to track down wanted suspects, disrupt criminal behaviour, and keep local communities safe.