The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested over 13 000 suspects nationwide, including those involved in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related crimes.

The arrests were made as part of the 90-day blitz intensified operations to tackle crime and gender-based violence.

#sapsHQ The SAPS’ ongoing operations focused on combating and preventing crime as well as gender based violence and femicide (GBVF) led to the arrest of 13 633 suspects, including those involved in GBVF related crimes.

As part of a 90-day blitz to combat GBVF, police continue to… pic.twitter.com/5o2YSLRsEY

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 2, 2025

More than 200 suspects were arrested for rape, with the highest number in KwaZulu-Natal.

SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathiela says, “The SAPS also effected the following arrests across the country through Operation Shanela from 26 May to 01 June 2025. 2 214 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies. 179 suspects were arrested for murder, majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal followed by Gauteng, 108 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.”