A total of 1,567 suspects were arrested across Gauteng during the latest Operation Shanela, with police targeting serious and violent crimes while stepping up visibility across all districts.

The operation, which ran from Friday until Sunday, saw multidisciplinary law enforcement teams mounting roadblocks, conducting stop-and-searches, inspecting liquor outlets, and patrolling known hotspots.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the outcome of the operation.

“Among the total arrests, 1,378 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, rape, robberies, and hijackings,” said Nevhuhulwi.

She said the crackdown also tackled gender-based violence.

“In addressing crimes committed against women and children, the team also arrested 180 suspects on gender based violence related crimes,” she said.

Other arrests included suspects facing charges of drug dealing, possession of stolen property, contravening the Immigration Act, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Nevhuhulwi urged communities to support police in the fight against crime.

“The public is urged to continue working together with the police in the fight against crime by reporting any criminal activities on the Crime Stop Hotline at 08600 10111 or anonymously give tip-offs on My SAPS App, which can be downloaded on any smartphone,” she appealed.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in various magistrates’ courts from Monday, while others have already been released after paying fines.

Operation Shanela is a national police initiative launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in May 2023. The word Shanela means sweep clean in Setswana, reflecting its purpose: to clean up communities by cracking down on serious and violent crimes.

The multidisciplinary, high-visibility crime prevention operation brings together different SAPS units, metro police, traffic authorities, and sometimes even other government departments. Typical activities include:

• Roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints on major routes.

• Stop-and-search operations targeting hotspots.

• Raids on liquor outlets for compliance.

• Tracking and arresting wanted suspects.

• Patrolling and saturation of crime-prone areas.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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