Operation Shanela proves successful in the Eastern Cape

Operation Shanela’s high-density operations in the various districts continue to produce positive outcomes as police maintain their momentum through intelligence led actions and high visibility in hotspot areas.

The Province’s success in eradicating illegal firearms is continuous as the relentless efforts of members paid off on Sunday, 17 December 2023, when the OR Tambo District Task Team followed up on information about a tavern owner in possession of an unlicensed firearm in Libode. On searching his premises, a .38 revolver with ammunition was found. The 33-year-old suspect was arrested and detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Also on Thursday, 14 December 2023 at about 03:00, police were conducting target driven operations in the OR Tambo District when a house in Extension 4 at Ngqeleni  was searched. A 9mm pistol with serial number filed off was recovered and the 45-year-old suspect was arrested on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm. A licenced firearm was also confiscated in Extension 5 as it is suspected that it may have been used in the commission of a murder.

Operations conducted on Friday, 15 December 2023 in Qumbu by the Alfred Nzo District Tactical Response Team (TRT) resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect and the recovery of a 9mm pistol in the Marhambeni locality.

In another incident in Kwaaiman, OR Tambo District TRT and Mthatha Crime Intelligence conducted a search at a house of a retired police official. Two illegal firearms as well as different calibre ammunition was confiscated. The suspect was detained for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

A 23-year-old suspect was also arrested on Tuesday, 19 December 2023 by the OR Tambo District Task Team after they followed up on intelligence of a suspect in possession of a firearm in Gxulu locality in Libode. The suspect was spotted and a 9mm pistol (serial number filed off) and ammunition was found in his possession. He was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.

All the confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for analysis and the suspects have appeared or will be appearing in the respective magistrate’s courts.

Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene has praised the efforts of the members on their continuous recovery of illegal firearms. “The removal of these firearms from the streets directly contributes to the safety of our communities, making a profound impact on crime prevention. A confiscated firearm is a step towards a safer, and more secure environment for all. The high density, intelligence led operations are proving to be successful and we, the SAPS will continue in our steadfast efforts to remove these firearms from circulation. We will be persistently targeting and confiscating these illegal and dangerous weapons,” added Lt Gen Mene.