Operation Shanela II Delivers Major Blow to Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay with Weekend Arrests and Recoveries
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape – Several suspects are due to appear in court for various crimes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has said, due to the Nelson Mandela Bay District in the Eastern Cape’s continued relentless fight against crime over the weekend through Operation Shanela II. The operation yielded significant successes, including the recovery of stolen property, firearms, and ammunition. “These results reflect the South African Police Service’s ongoing commitment to restoring safety, maintaining order and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice,” said the police in a statement.
The high-density operation, part of a nationwide effort to curb serious and violent crimes, saw multiple arrests across the district, highlighting the effectiveness of coordinated policing in hotspot areas. This comes as South Africa grapples with rising crime rates, with initiatives like Shanela II playing a crucial role in reclaiming communities from criminal elements.
Thursday’s Stop-and-Search Yields Stolen Goods and Firearms
On Thursday, 30 October 2025, stop-and-search operations in Wells Estate resulted in the arrest of four suspects. This followed a complainant’s identification of his stolen VW Polo, two Samsung cell phones (A30 and A31), and an undisclosed amount of cash found in their possession. Upon further inspection, police discovered three firearms in the vehicle, later identified as blank firearms (a rifle and two 9mm pistols).
Acting on information from the suspects, officers were led to a shop in NU29, Motherwell, where they recovered the real firearm allegedly used in the crime. A 32-year-old Ethiopian man was arrested for unlawful possession of the firearm. The four initial suspects were detained on charges of possession of dangerous weapons and suspected stolen property.
This bust underscores the operation’s focus on disrupting theft and illegal arms circulation, common issues in urban townships like Wells Estate.
Friday’s Hijacking Probe Leads to Ammunition and Stolen Stock Recovery
In an unrelated incident on Friday, 31 October 2025, the Nelson Mandela Bay District Crime Combatting Unit followed up on information related to an abduction and hijacking in the Gelvandale policing precinct. A white VW Polo linked to the case was stopped in Avenue C, New Brighton, where the driver was found with 20 live rounds of ammunition and a black Nasty Vape – items stolen during the hijacking.
Further investigation led to the recovery of stolen stock worth approximately R150,000, hidden by the suspect in New Brighton. The individual was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property.
These recoveries highlight the unit’s proactive approach in tackling vehicle-related crimes, a persistent problem in the Eastern Cape where hijackings often tie into broader gang activities.
Saturday’s Roadblock Thwarts Kidnapping, Results in Shootout
On Saturday, 1 November 2025, the Crime Combatting Unit received information about a kidnapping in Somerset East involving two vehicles – a silver/grey VW Polo and a white Mazda CX5 belonging to the victim – speeding toward Uitenhage via the R75. Officers set up a roadblock at the entrance to Kariega, where the grey Polo crashed, leading to the driver’s arrest.
The Mazda evaded the block but was pursued until it overturned near the Daniel Pienaar off-ramp. Three suspects exited, with two opening fire on police. In the exchange, one suspect was fatally shot, one arrested, and the third fled into nearby bushes despite a search assisted by the Kariega K9 Unit. The 40-year-old Ethiopian victim was rescued unharmed.
The arrested suspects face charges of kidnapping, attempted murder of police officials, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and reckless or negligent driving. This incident demonstrates the dangers officers face and the operation’s success in rescuing victims from violent crimes.
Items Confiscated and Overall Impact
During these arrests, police confiscated a 9mm Norinco pistol with five live rounds, three blank firearms, cash, cell phones, a VW Polo, 20 live rounds of ammunition, 120 loose vapes, 18 boxes of Nasty Vapes (five each), and two big boxes of Nasty Vapes (ten each), a VW Polo Vivo, a 9mm Glock with ten live rounds, and a white Mazda CX5.
These seizures disrupt criminal networks involved in theft, hijacking, and arms trafficking, which fuel violence in the region. Operation Shanela II, a national high-density initiative, focuses on visible policing, roadblocks, and intelligence-led arrests to target serious crimes like murder, rape, and robbery.
Commendation from District Leadership
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Major General Vuyisile Ncata commended the Crime Combatting Units for their dedication and bravery. He praised their professionalism and teamwork, emphasising that the successes reflect SAPS’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all communities and sending a clear message that criminals have no place to hide in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Ncata’s praise echoes broader SAPS efforts under Operation Shanela II, which has yielded thousands of arrests nationwide since its launch, including over 1,000 in the Eastern Cape in recent months.
Broader Context of Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay
The district, encompassing Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and surrounding areas, has long battled gang violence, drug trafficking, and hijackings. Initiatives like Shanela II have led to significant hauls, with over 1,565 firearms and 39,371 rounds of ammunition seized in the Western Cape alone since April 2025 – patterns mirrored in the Eastern Cape.
Community leaders welcome these arrests but call for sustained efforts, including youth programmes to prevent gang recruitment. With the festive season approaching, police plan to intensify operations to maintain the momentum.
As suspects appear in court, residents hope for swift justice. SAPS encourages tips via Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS app, stressing community partnership in the fight against crime. This weekend’s successes show that coordinated action can make a real difference in reclaiming safe spaces for all.
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