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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced a significant breakthrough in the fight against crime, with the arrest of 12,411 suspects during a single week as part of Operation Shanela. The nationwide high-density operation, conducted between 3 and 9 June 2024, focused on enhancing police visibility and disrupting criminal activity across South Africa.
The arrested individuals face charges ranging from murder, rape, assault, and armed robbery to drug possession, illegal firearm ownership, and theft of motor vehicles.
SAPS officers also seized a substantial amount of evidence during the operation, including:
- 206 firearms and 2,801 rounds of ammunition
- 695 knives and 36 toy guns
- 31 stolen or hijacked vehicles
- Large quantities of drugs (dagga, crystal meth, mandrax, heroin, and cocaine)
“Operation Shanela continues to yield results because of our targeted approach and support from communities,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
In total, 1,473 roadblocks, 385 vehicle checkpoints, and 385 searches of second-hand goods dealers were conducted. SAPS also inspected 1,503 liquor outlets, with several found to be operating illegally.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity anonymously through Crime Stop (08600 10111) or the MySAPS App.
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