The Nelson Mandela Bay District SAPS intensified its fight against crime through #OperationShanela2, a high-impact, intelligence-driven operation held over the weekend. The campaign resulted in several arrests, the recovery of stolen property, and the seizure of firearms and ammunition across the district.
What Happened
On 30 October 2025, police in Wells Estate received information about an attempted hijacking on Addo Road near PPC. The stolen white VW Polo was later spotted in Summerstrand at the Boardwalk. Officers acted swiftly and arrested four suspects aged between 19 and 35.
Police found two stolen Samsung cellphones and cash taken from the victim. They also recovered three firearms from the car, which turned out to be blank weapons. Later that day, police followed up on new information and went to a shop in Motherwell, where they then recovered the real firearm used in the crime. As a result, they arrested a 32-year-old Ethiopian man for unlawful possession.
Other Arrests
In a separate case on 31 October 2025, the Crime Combatting Unit arrested a 34-year-old man linked to an abduction and hijacking in Gelvandale. Police caught the suspect with 20 live rounds of ammunition and stolen goods worth R150,000, hidden in New Brighton.
On 1 November 2025, police responded to a kidnapping in Somerset East involving two vehicles heading toward Uitenhage. Police set up a roadblock near Kariega, where one vehicle crashed and officers arrested the driver. They chased the second vehicle, a Mazda CX5, which overturned on the R75. One suspect fired at police and was fatally shot. Officers caught another suspect, while the third fled. Police rescued the 40-year-old Ethiopian victim unharmed.
Official Response
Police confirmed that all suspects appeared in their respective courts on Monday, 3 November 2025. The operation was part of ongoing efforts to fight trio crimes and remove illegal firearms from communities. “These arrests showed our continued commitment to safety and justice,” said a police spokesperson
