Gauteng police arrest over 1 500 suspects in province-wide crime crackdown
Operation Shanela sees 1 567 arrests across Gauteng, targeting serious crimes, drugs and gender-based violence.
The police in Gauteng have intensified efforts to clean up the streets of the province, tackling criminal activities head-on.
From September 26 to 28, a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement agencies conducted Operation Shanela, where 1 567 suspects were arrested for a range of offences.
These included dealing in drugs, possession of stolen property, contravening the Immigration Act and driving under the influence of alcohol.
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The operation was carried out simultaneously across Gauteng’s five districts, with law enforcement teams conducting roadblocks on high-risk roads, stop-and-searches, liquor compliance inspections, patrols and vehicle checkpoints.
Over 1 300 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, rape, robberies and hijackings.
In a focused effort to combat crimes against women and children, 180 suspects were arrested on gender-based violence-related charges.
The suspects are expected to appear before various magistrates’ courts from September 29, while others have already been released after paying fines.
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Police urge the public to continue working with the police to fight crime by reporting criminal activity on the Crime Stop Hotline at 08600 10111 or submitting anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS App, available on any smartphone.
