SAPS Arrests 16,339 Suspects in Nationwide Safer Festive Season Crackdown Under Operation Shanela II

Pretoria, South Africa – 28 October 2025 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has ramped up its Safer Festive Season operations, resulting in the arrest of 16,339 suspects across the country during the week of 20 to 26 October 2025. Running in tandem with Operation Shanela II, the initiative also led to the seizure of 158 unlicensed firearms, 1,917 rounds of ammunition, and contraband valued at over R29.6 million. Among the detainees were 2,713 wanted individuals connected to grave offences such as murder, rape, and armed robbery, demonstrating a targeted approach to dismantling criminal networks. This surge in enforcement aims to curb the typical rise in crime during the holiday period, fostering safer communities as families prepare for end-of-year celebrations.

The operations reflect a broader strategy to assert law enforcement’s presence, with highlights including dramatic shootouts, major counterfeit busts, and recoveries of stolen goods. As the festive season progresses, SAPS officials emphasise the role of community tips and inter-agency collaboration in these successes, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Comprehensive Arrest Breakdown Highlights Focus on Violent Crimes

From 20 to 26 October 2025, SAPS conducted intelligence-driven raids, roadblocks, and tracing efforts nationwide, yielding significant arrests across various categories. The figures underscore a concerted effort to address both street-level and organised crime:

• Murder: 90 suspects arrested, with the Eastern Cape leading at 23, followed by Gauteng with 21.
• Attempted Murder: 102 arrests reported countrywide.
• Rape: 227 suspects apprehended, predominantly in KwaZulu-Natal (80) and Gauteng (49).
• Drug Dealing: 292 arrests, topped by the Western Cape (78), KwaZulu-Natal (63), Eastern Cape (44), and Gauteng (40).
• Drug Possession: 2,001 arrests, with the Western Cape recording 976, KwaZulu-Natal 381, Gauteng 262, and Eastern Cape 184.
• Illegal Firearms Possession: 132 suspects detained.
• Drunk Driving: 866 arrests for operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Assault GBH: 1,464 suspects arrested for grievous bodily harm assaults.
• Illegal Liquor Trade: 734 arrests targeting unlicensed alcohol sales.
  These statistics reveal patterns in crime hotspots, with provinces like the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal showing high drug-related activity, while the Eastern Cape and Gauteng lead in violent offences. “Police tracing operations are also key initiatives, leading to arrest of 2,713 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes,” SAPS stated, emphasising the use of warrants and intelligence to capture fugitives.
  Substantial Seizures Disrupt Criminal Operations
  The week’s operations extended beyond arrests, with police recovering items that fuel illicit activities. Notable confiscations included:
• 724 dangerous weapons, such as knives and pangas, often used in assaults.
• 25,964 litres of alcohol from illegal traders.
• Contraband goods worth more than R29.6 million, including counterfeit items and smuggled electronics.
• 65 stolen vehicles, aiding efforts against hijacking syndicates.
  These recoveries not only remove tools of crime but also hit perpetrators financially, weakening their ability to operate. The emphasis on ammunition (1,917 rounds seized) targets gun violence, a persistent issue in South Africa.
  Operation Shanela II Takedowns: Dramatic Confrontations and Busts
  Operation Shanela II, a high-impact strategy involving multi-disciplinary teams, delivered several high-profile successes during the week. Key incidents include:
  National
  Authorities seized illegally imported cell phones – primarily Apple iPhones and Samsung gadgets – along with accessories and two-way radios valued at over R17 million. An ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the smuggling network behind this haul.
  Gauteng
  On 24 October 2025, three suspected kidnappers were fatally shot in a confrontation with police on St Andrews Road in Parktown, Johannesburg, outside the University of the Witwatersrand Education Campus. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted the group, who allegedly kidnapped a Chinese national in June 2025 and recently attempted to abduct another businessman. The suspects opened fire, leading to the shootout; two unlicensed firearms were recovered.
  In Magaliesberg, six illegal miners were arrested at Protea Mine, with police confiscating four rifles, 343 rounds of ammunition, and equipment like generators, jackhammers, detonation cords with blasting caps, and power gel – items linked to underground syndicates.
  Additionally, a second suspect was arrested in connection with the deadly tavern shooting in Bronkhorstspruit’s Zithobeni area on 5 October 2025, where five people were killed and six injured at Qedukoma tavern. The suspect faces five counts of murder and six of attempted murder; an unlicensed firearm was seized during the arrest.
  Free State
  In collaboration with traffic and Mangaung Law Enforcement, two suspects were arrested for possessing and manufacturing fake official documents. Items seized included completed driver’s licence applications, temporary licences, and vehicle discs – a strike against fraud that enables other crimes.
  KwaZulu-Natal
  On 20 October 2025, two suspects aged 27 and 30 were killed in a shootout at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi, Durban, while police searched for a hijacking suspect from Harding. The pair opened fire, resulting in their deaths; two unlicensed firearms and six rounds of ammunition were recovered.
  In a separate raid at Mbumbulu, three AK-47 assault rifles, one rifle, one pistol, and 93 rounds were seized – weapons often tied to gang conflicts in the region.
  Western Cape
  On 23 October 2025, the Provincial Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Team confiscated fake clothing, footwear, and accessories worth R8 million in Bellville during a multi-agency operation. The haul targeted counterfeit trade that funds organised crime.

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