The police’s Operation Shanela, a high-intensity crime-fighting initiative, conducted a raid in Atteridgeville township, Tshwane, on Saturday, leading to the arrest of over 300 suspects for various crimes.

Captain Johan van Dyk, Tshwane SAPS district spokesperson, said police arrested 356 suspects and recovered a stolen vehicle during a crime operation.

The operation, part of the police’s zero-tolerance approach to crime, brought together a multidisciplinary team of SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane metro police, Gauteng traffic police, and community safety officials. 

Van Dyk said the operation aimed to boost police visibility and restore order, targeting the Atteridgeville policing precinct and its surrounding areas.

“The joint efforts of this team yielded significant results, with 356 suspects arrested for various criminal offenses. This outcome is a direct reflection of thorough planning, targeted deployments, and sustained visibility intended to suppress crime and track wanted suspects in identified areas,” he said.

He reported that Tshwane district detectives initiated the operation’s first phase, arresting 260 suspects. 

The arrests included 65 for gender-based violence, three for murder, three for attempted murder, six for armed robbery, one for perjury, three for possessing unlicensed firearms, and six for rape.

During the operation’s second phase, uniformed members conducted a roadblock in the precinct, supported by two operational teams. 

This, Van Dyk said, resulted in the detention of 34 undocumented foreign nationals, who are now being processed by immigration authorities for court appearances and potential deportation. 

Additionally, one person was fined for employing illegal immigrants.

A total of 1,240 individuals and 518 vehicles were searched during the operation and three vehicles were verified to determine if they were stolen.

“This resulted in the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle that was reported stolen earlier at Pretoria Central SAPS. Thirty-seven persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. At least 60 Aarto infringement notices were issued, amounting to R30,000 and one vehicle being discontinued due to non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act,” Van Dyk said.

He added that police conducted targeted patrols and searches at 25 identified crime hotspots, disrupting criminal activity. 

The operation resulted in the arrest of nine people for public drinking and two individuals for dealing and possessing drugs, with 417 ziplock bags of various drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash seized.

Additionally, authorities inspected 32 liquor outlets, closing 11 for non-compliance and seizing liquor and two gambling machines.

Tshwane district Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine thanked all stakeholders for their support and collaboration, assuring the public that similar operations will continue across the district.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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