More than 670 suspects arrested in Gauteng during Operation Shanela II

Police have arrested more than 670 suspects wanted for serious and violent crimes in Gauteng as part of Operation Shanela II, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The suspects were wanted for crimes including murder, armed robbery, rape, fraud, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and housebreaking and theft.

“These suspects were arrested during the first phase of the operation, where the detectives were tracing wanted suspects,” the police said in a statement.

The suspects are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts.

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In a separate operation, police arrested 14 people during a roadblock in Protea, Soweto.

The operation targeted illegal goods and substances being transported by road users, as well as stolen and hijacked vehicles and other contraband.

“During the roadblock conducted in Protea, 14 people were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, nine for possession of drugs, and 13 illegal immigrants were taken in to be processed by Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs,” the statement read.

Weekend operations in other districts also resulted in arrests, with 86 people arrested in Tshwane, 45 in the West Rand, 29 in Sedibeng and 22 in Ekurhuleni.

Mthombeni commended the detectives and operational teams for their continued efforts to track down wanted suspects and disrupt criminal activities through intelligence-driven and integrated policing operations.