By Nkosana Khumalo
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues its relentless efforts to curb crime across the country through Operation Shanela, a nationwide crime-combating initiative. Between 23 and 29 September 2024, the operation saw the arrest of 10,668 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH), illegal possession of firearms, and drug dealing.
Operation Shanela, a vital component of the SAPS strategy, encompasses a range of crime-fighting measures, including intelligence-driven takedowns, roadblocks, and stop-and-search operations. These efforts are being led by the Provincial Commissioners in each province, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of South African citizens and visitors.
Operation Shanela: Key Arrests and Statistics
During this week-long blitz, SAPS achieved significant results, including the arrest of 1,941 wanted suspects for serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, and assault GBH. Of these:
• 110 suspects were arrested for murder, with 31 of them detained in the Western Cape.
• 113 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
• 116 suspects were taken into custody for rape, with 35 of these arrests made in Gauteng.
• 1,132 suspects were arrested for assault GBH.Additionally, the police recovered and confiscated numerous illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition, a critical measure in reducing gun-related violence across the nation. A total of 117 firearms and 872 rounds of ammunition were confiscated during the operations, with 22 firearms being recovered in both the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Tackling Drug-Related Crimes
The fight against drug-related crimes remains a significant focus of SAPS. During Operation Shanela, 236 drug dealers were arrested, and 677 suspects were apprehended for possession of drugs. The bulk of these arrests occurred in high-crime areas:
• 150 arrests were made in Gauteng.
• 149 arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
• 127 arrests were made in the Eastern Cape.The confiscation of large quantities of illicit drugs further underscores the importance of sustained police action against drug syndicates that continue to fuel crime in many communities.
Notable Takedowns: Human Trafficking, Extortion, and Illegal Mining
Several major takedowns and high-profile arrests occurred during this period, signaling SAPS’s commitment to addressing not only common crimes but also more complex and organised criminal activities.
One of the standout successes was the arrest of a 21-year-old female drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport. The South African national had arrived from São Paulo when an X-ray examination revealed that she had swallowed bullets containing drugs. This marks the 11th drug mule arrest at the airport in just two months, indicating increased surveillance and detection efforts by SAPS.
In the Western Cape, a 35-year-old suspect was arrested for dealing drugs in Ruyterwacht. Police seized 87,058 mandrax tablets, cocaine, and crystal meth worth over R5 million, disrupting a significant drug operation in the province.
Extortion has also been a growing concern in parts of South Africa, with criminals targeting businesses and construction sites. In Gauteng, six suspects aged between 21 and 41 were arrested for extorting foreign-owned businesses in Akasia and Soshanguve. Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, four suspects involved in extorting a construction site in Sydenham were arrested following a shootout with security guards.
Another significant achievement was the rescue of 29 human trafficking victims in Germiston, Gauteng. Police arrested five suspects, including four men and one woman, in a takedown operation. This intervention highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the critical role of SAPS in rescuing victims from exploitation.
Operation Vala Umgodi: Cracking Down on Illegal Mining
Operation Vala Umgodi, which was activated in December 2023, continues to record significant successes in tackling illegal mining. This week alone, 157 illegal miners were arrested, with 91 of them apprehended in Mpumalanga. Illegal mining, commonly referred to as “Zama Zama” mining, poses a major threat to both the environment and local communities. It is often linked to violent crimes and other illegal activities.
The arrests under Operation Vala Umgodi represent the government’s dedication to curbing this dangerous and illicit practice. SAPS continues to deploy resources to regions most affected by illegal mining, with the goal of dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of legitimate mining operations.
Combating Drunk Driving and Road Safety
In addition to addressing violent and organised crime, Operation Shanela also targeted road safety violations. 593 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, with 173 of these arrests occurring in Gauteng. Roadblocks and stop-and-search operations remain a key tool in reducing accidents and improving road safety.
Public Confidence and Future Operations
As Operation Shanela continues, SAPS remains committed to reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring public safety. Commissioner of Police, General Fannie Masemola, reiterated the importance of community collaboration and intelligence-driven policing in combating crime. “The success of these operations is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our officers, as well as the valuable information provided by the public. We will continue to assert the authority of the state to ensure that South Africa is a safe place for all.”
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