Operation Shanela continue making its mark on crime and criminals in the Eastern Cape

Since the inception of Operation Shanela, significant successes are being achieved every week in the 8 districts of the province. The high density operations are making remarkable inroads in the reduction of crimes in certain areas.

The week’s operations conducted from 9 to 15 October 2023 resulted in the following successes:

Total number of arrests were 1570 – these included murder, rape robberies (business and residential), theft of motor vehicles, possession of drugs and illegal possession of firearms, vehicle hijacking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, amongst other arrests.

• 1945 stop/search operations were conducted
• 2336 high density visible patrols
• 133 vehicle check points/roadblocks held
• 2357 liquor premises inspected, and 2 unlicensed liquor premises closed

Confiscations/seizures included:

• 194 rounds of ammunition
• 4406 counterfeit goods seized
• 102 dangerous weapons (knives, screwdrivers etc)
• 16 firearms
• 295 mandrax tablets

On 10 October 2023 at 15:00 Public Order Policing Tactical Response Team members received information about a suspicious vehicle that was parked next to a shop in Butterworth.  Way lay operation was conducted and after some time an Ethiopian male approached the vehicle and was arrested. The vehicle was loaded with illicit illegal cigarettes and medicines. He failed to legally account for the items was detained on charges of Contravention of immigration Act (illegal immigrant), dealing in illicit cigarettes and contravention of Medicine’s Control Act. Cigarettes and medicines with an estimated street value of R350 000 were confiscated.

Also, on the 12 October 2023 at about 04:00 Tactical Response Team deployed in Alfred Nzo District conducted an operation at KwaNdengane A/A Bizana after receiving information of illegal firearms. Two suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and two firearms confiscated.

In Nelson Mandela Bay District on 14 October 2023 at about 23:30, Flying Squad members arrested four suspects and recovered three vehicles that were hijacked in a short space of time in New Brighton. Suspects shot at police in an attempt to flee. Four were arrested and one managed to escape. One suspect sustained gunshot wound in his head. The suspects, aged between 25 and 30 years old are detained on charges of attempted murder (attack on police), possession of a hijacked vehicle, pointing of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and reckless and negligent driving.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene complimented the foot soldiers working on the ground for their outstanding arrests and dedicated operational approach in tackling crime in their respective district stations. ‘In our efforts to stamping the authority of the State, the execution of high density patrols/ interventions are proving to be successful. We will continue to ensure high density visibility of uniformed police officers on foot and in vehicles supported by continuous cordon and search operations, continuous roadblocks and relentless search for wanted suspects,’ added Lt Gen Mene.