Massive police crackdown nets over 13,000 in week-long operation

SAPS officers conduct high-density operations across South Africa, arresting over 13,000 suspects in nationwide crackdown. Picture: SAPS

SAPS officers conduct high-density operations across South Africa, arresting over 13,000 suspects in nationwide crackdown. Picture: SAPS

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More than 2,000 violent crime suspects were among the staggering 13,000 arrests made by South African Police Service (SAPS) during last week's nationwide Operation Shanela crackdown, marking one of the country's largest-ever coordinated police actions.

The operation, conducted from Monday, October 28 to Sunday, November 3, saw Provincial Commissioners leading extensive operations across all nine provinces, combining tracking operations, roadblocks, and high-visibility patrols in identified crime hotspots.

The operation's results revealed concerning patterns in violent crime. Among those arrested were, 140 murder suspects, 233 individuals charged with rape, 94 attempted murder suspects, 1,688 cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), More than 1,100 drug-related arrests, 1,122 illegal foreign nationals, 579 suspected drunk drivers.

Evidence seized during the operations included Over 1,000 illegal firearms, substantial quantities of ammunition , multiple stolen vehicles, various illegal substances and contraband.

The Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and Gauteng provinces recorded the highest numbers of murder-related arrests, reflecting ongoing challenges in these regions.

While Operation Shanela dominated headlines, SAPS achieved additional successes through parallel initiatives.

Operation vala umgodi targeted illegal mining operations in Orkney, North West Province, where joint SAPS and SANDF forces successfully blocked supply routes to approximately 500 illegal miners trapped underground.

In a separate triumph, Crime Intelligence units in Tshwane and Bojanala arrested six suspects.

“These suspects are linked to a series of armed robberies, firearm offences, and other violent crimes.” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk

The Gauteng Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit (Hawks) further contributed to the week's success by arresting 14 suspects, including two former Nedbank employees, on fraud and money laundering charges.

“These suspects already appeared before court on charges related fraud and money laundering.” said van Wyk.

“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country.”

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