Positive Outcomes for Operation Shanela in the Western Cape, Confirms Police Minister

Police Minister Bheki Cele addressed the media on the strides made in combating crime, specifically in the Western Cape province, during a briefing held on Tuesday. Operating under the banner of 'Operation Shanela', these steps made by the South African Police Service have led to the capture and arrest of over 155,000 suspects involved in grave incidents, ranging from homicides, sexual assault, burglaries to hijackings, all over the country.

A substantial number of these culprits were apprehended in the Western Cape, contributing to the success of Operation Shanela that was officially inaugurated in the province in August. According to Cele, among the commendable achievements is the confiscation of 1,365 firearms from the Western Cape streets and the incarceration of 978 individuals suspected of committing murder.

Increasing cases of kidnapping, particularly in Cape Town, had been underscored as an alarming concern. In response to this, Cele reports that 13 instances of ransom kidnapping, occurring from April to the present, have been investigated. From these cases, 28 culprits have been detained, three vehicles have been retrieved and two people have been convicted to life imprisonment for involvement in kidnappings.

However, over 278 individuals are still either imprisoned or appearing before court for alleged participation in abduction cases. Adding to these figures, over 6,000 arrests have been made pertaining to violent and dangerous assault, while 798 individuals stand accused of aggravated robbery.

The Minister also revealed the impressive combined financial value of seized contraband items - these include narcotics, firearms, vehicles, and counterfeit goods which collectively amount to R140 million; this was achieved through targeted operations between April and September.

Cele concluded the briefing by emphasizing the continuation of Operation Shanela and mentioned the decision to intensify crime-prevention strategies in the province.