Over 13,000 Criminal Suspects Nabbed in Operation Shanela Crackdown Across South Africa

In an unparalleled nationwide crackdown, South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela has resulted in the arrest of 13,996 suspects over the past week. The high-density operation has spanned across the country, organized under the command of each Provincial Commissioner, highlighting a dedication to combat crime and bolster community safety.

The SAPS has gone on record acknowledging the "bold and decisive approach" towards ensuring the safety of South African citizens. The diverse methods of operation, ranging from detective work and intelligence tracing, to conducting roadblocks and thorough stop-and-search procedures, have culminated in remarkable outcomes.

A detailed breakdown given by SAPS reveals an extensive list of arrests that deals a significant blow to criminal activities: Among the arrests made are 4,065 suspects wanted for severe crimes, including murder and rape, 106 for murder, 150 for attempted murder, and 182 for rape - with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province reporting 80 arrests. The campaign has brought illegal possession of firearms into the spotlight, with 134 arrests, notably 66 in the Eastern Cape. The operations also targeted illicit liquor trade, with 582 arrests, and 240 apprehended for drug dealing.

Assault continues to feature prominently, with 1,372 apprehensions. KZN again stands out for the seizure of 47 firearms amongst a total of 158 confiscated nationally. The province has consistently shown high recovery rates of illicit weapons. The SAPS has also secured 1,448 rounds of ammunition and reclaimed 74 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

In a significant breakthrough, 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were rescued in Johannesburg from what is believed to be a human trafficking network. Meanwhile, the Hawks in the Eastern Cape neutralized five cash-in-transit heist suspects, and three more were apprehended in a separate operation.

Additionally, police raids have hit drug cartels hard, as evidenced by the R300 million worth of suspected crystal meth seized in Fourways. A businessman held by kidnappers was freed in this operation, which further led to the arrest of eight suspects. The legality of the fashion industry was also enforced through the seizure of counterfeit goods worth R7 million in Johannesburg.

During these engagements, law enforcement has faced significant risks. In KZN, police encounters with heavily armed criminals resulted in injuries to two officers and the death of more than ten suspects. SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the security of all residents.