A total of 343 suspects were arrested in Tshwane during a weekend crackdown on crime, targeting the rural areas of Cullinan and Boschkop policing precincts.

The operation, led by Tshwane’s District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, brought together a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police, Gauteng Traffic Police, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and local Community Policing Forum representatives.

SAPS district spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk stated that the operation was launched on Saturday as part of ongoing efforts under Operation Shanela to disrupt and combat crime in Tshwane.

“This combined effort resulted in the arrest of 343 suspects for various criminal offences. These results are a direct outcome of planning, strategic deployments and heightened visibility aimed at reducing crime and continued track and tracing of wanted suspects,” he said.

Detectives were responsible for 274 arrests, including 82 suspects for gender-based violence-related offences, one for murder, six for attempted murder, eight for armed robbery, 26 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and 10 for rape.

Van Dyk said a roadblock set up in Cullinan and Boschkop led to the detention of 22 undocumented foreign nationals, who are currently being processed by immigration authorities. 

During the operation, 906 individuals and 450 vehicles were searched, and 13 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Targeted patrols were conducted at 18 identified crime hotspots, resulting in additional arrests and fines, including 20 people for public drinking and eight people for public intoxication. Traffic enforcement units issued 16 AARTO infringement notices, totaling R7,250 in fines.

Liquor compliance inspections were conducted at 15 establishments, resulting in the closure of four for non-compliance. Authorities confiscated 724 145ml of alcohol and two music sound systems.

Thine expressed gratitude to all participating stakeholders for their continued cooperation, and commitment to enhancing community safety.

He also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App.

Meanwhile, MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, welcomed the handover of 11 new motorcycles to the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), aimed at enhancing their response capacity. 

According to him, the handover would improve the effectiveness, mobility, and visibility of law enforcement across the metro.

“The motorcycles will be deployed as part of a broader effort to strengthen front-line safety operations, particularly in high-risk and high-traffic areas where rapid response and agile patrols are essential. Their introduction comes at a time when residents are calling for more responsive, more present and better equipped safety personnel,” he said.

Coetzee said the new motorcycles will allow TMPD officers to better navigate congested urban areas, support targeted operations, and maintain a visible presence in high-need areas, including main roads and informal settlements, as well as during coordinated safety initiatives. rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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