In a massive crackdown on crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 16,718 suspects during its nationwide Operation Shanela, which took place from January 6 to January 12, 2025. This bold operation is part of the SAPS’s efforts to take a decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country.
Key Arrests and Confiscations
Some notable arrests and confiscations made during the operation include:
- 2,907 wanted suspects arrested for serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, and business and house robberies.
- 122 suspects arrested for murder, with the majority coming from Gauteng (36) and Eastern Cape (29).
- 223 suspects arrested for rape, with KwaZulu-Natal leading the charge with 80 arrests.
- 835 drug dealers arrested, with 2,282 suspects arrested for possession of drugs.
- 129 firearms confiscated, along with 1,129 rounds of ammunition.
- 65 hijacked and stolen vehicles recovered.
High-Profile Arrests and Operations
Some notable operations and arrests made during the period include:
- A 39-year-old man arrested infor a shooting incident that left eight people dead.
- Eight suspects, including a councillor, arrested in Limpopo for extortion.
- Three Ethiopian foreign nationals arrested in Gauteng for human trafficking and kidnapping.
The SAPS will continue to assert its authority to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country.
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