The South African Police Service (SAPS) says they have arrested more than 13 000 suspects during nationwide Shanela II operations conducted between 04 and 10 May, including more than 1 000 wanted suspects linked to various crimes.

Police also arrested 146 rape suspects across the country during Child Protection Month, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng recording the highest number of arrests.

SAPS spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says the intensified operations also led to breakthroughs in cases involving illegal mining, kidnapping, drug trafficking, counterfeit goods and ATM bombings.

“2 573 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs. We also seized 106 unlicensed firearms of different calibers, 1 716 rounds of ammunition, 759 dangerous weapons and we recovered 104 hijacked or stolen vehicles in the past week. Rest assured our men and women in blue are hard at work in creating a safer and more secure country for all, 365 days a year.”

#sapsHQ [NATIONWIDE SHANELA OPERATIONS] This week, the #SAPS arrested 13 365 suspects including 1 794 #wanted individuals for various offences during nationwide #OperationShanela II.

While the country observes #ChildProtectionMonth, police arrested 146 suspects for rape across… pic.twitter.com/CM4Fdm9hId

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) May 11, 2026

Source link