Operation Shanela
By Lerato Mpembe
Between Monday, 3 March 2025, and Sunday, 9 March 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted Operation Shanela, a high-density initiative targeting crime across the country. This operation resulted in the arrest of 14,165 suspects for various offenses.
Key Arrests:
• Wanted Suspects: 1,870 individuals sought for serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, and robberies were apprehended.
• Murder: 185 arrests, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 37.
• Attempted Murder: 154 arrests, an increase of 72 from the previous week.
• Rape: 235 arrests, including 96 in KwaZulu-Natal.
• Assault GBH: 1,513 arrests.
• Drug-Related Offenses: 166 drug dealers arrested; 2,176 individuals detained for drug possession, with 1,237 in the Western Cape.
• Illegal Firearms Possession: 105 arrests.
• Human Trafficking: Four arrests.
• Drunk Driving: 525 drivers arrested.
Confiscations:
• Firearms: 155 confiscated, 48 more than the previous week.
• Ammunition: 3,627 rounds seized.
• Vehicles: 50 hijacked or stolen vehicles recovered.
Notable Incidents:
• Drug Destruction: On 7 March 2025, SAPS destroyed drugs worth R340 million, including R220 million in cocaine.
• Arms Cache Discovery: In Bellville, Cape Town, 50,000 mandrax tablets and multiple firearms, including AK47 rifles, were seized.
• Cocaine Seizure: A R6 million cocaine shipment was intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport on 4 March 2025.
• Infrastructure Theft: A suspect was arrested for electricity theft, and 41 Eskom transformers were recovered in operations across Winterveldt, Erasmia, and Diepsloot.
Provincial Focus:
• Northern Cape: 325 suspects were arrested for offenses including murder, rape, assault, robbery, and illegal mining. Operations involved roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and compliance inspections.
Community Engagement:
SAPS emphasizes the importance of community involvement in crime prevention. Residents are encouraged to report criminal activities and collaborate with law enforcement to enhance safety. 
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 97 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Makalo Mohale Appointed to Key Economic Advisory Council in Free State”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Central-News-Issue-097.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube