Operation Shanela Nets Nearly 14,000 Suspects in Week-Long Crime Crackdown

"Police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities they serve," stated SAPS in a statement released on Monday.

Operation Shanela continues to make significant strides in combating crime, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) reporting the arrest of 13,949 suspects over the past week. The arrests were made through a series of coordinated operations involving detectives, crime intelligence, roadblocks, and stop-and-search efforts.

"Police have taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities they serve," stated SAPS in a statement released on Monday.

The arrests were made during operations that commenced on Monday, 26 August, and concluded on Sunday, 01 September. The operations, which spanned all nine provinces, were led by the respective Provincial Commissioners.

Among those arrested, 4,233 were wanted suspects, linked to serious crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms, and business robberies. Notably, 117 suspects were arrested for murder, and an additional 118 were apprehended for attempted murder.

Rape-related arrests totaled 280, with 116 of these occurring in KwaZulu-Natal. Police also arrested 160 individuals for the illegal possession of firearms and 1,463 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).

The crackdown extended to the illegal liquor and drug trade, resulting in the arrest of 442 suspects for illegal liquor dealings and 145 drug dealers. Additionally, 82 illegal miners were apprehended, with 52 of these arrests made in the Free State.

Operation Shanela also saw the confiscation of 164 firearms and the recovery of 52 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

In a notable incident, four extortionists were fatally wounded during a confrontation with police in Milnerton, Western Cape. Four other suspects are currently under police guard in hospital. The incident led to the seizure of five firearms. Meanwhile, in Gauteng, police arrested a suspect linked to a cloned police vehicle believed to have been used in truck hijackings and courier vehicle robberies.

"Police will continue their operations, stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa," SAPS concluded.