Gauteng police arrest over 750 suspects in weekend crime crackdown

Gauteng police arrested more than 750 suspects during weekend Operation Shanela II raids and compliance inspections conducted across the province. Gauteng police arrested more than 750 suspects over the weekend during Operation Shanela II, including over 150 people accused of crimes against women and children, as law enforcement intensified efforts to combat violent crime across the province. The arrests were made during coordinated operations conducted in all five districts of Gauteng, with police targeting a range of offences including murder, armed robbery, rape, drug-related crimes and immigration violations.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), more than 150 suspects were arrested specifically for crimes against women and children during the operation. “Gauteng police have arrested over 150 suspects for crimes against women and children during Operation Shanela II over the weekend,” police spokesperson Colonel Noxolo Kweza said. Detectives working through the night also apprehended more than 600 suspects linked to serious and violent crimes.

“Gauteng Detectives who worked overnight also arrested more than 600 suspects for crimes such as murder, armed robbery, rape and other crimes,” Kweza said. Police further arrested several undocumented individuals and suspects found in possession of drugs. In Tshwane, a Volkswagen Polo was impounded after officers discovered it had allegedly been tampered with.

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The operation also targeted non-compliant liquor outlets. Police confiscated large quantities of alcohol during inspections at taverns found to be operating outside legal requirements. Roadblocks and compliance checks resulted in the arrest of 122 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Several litres of alcohol were also confiscated when various taverns were visited and found to be non-compliant. Meanwhile, 122 drivers were arrested for drunken driving during the operations that took place on Saturday night,” Kweza said. SAPS credited the success of the operation to collaboration between law enforcement agencies, Community Police Forums (CPFs), community patrollers, private security companies and local community leaders.

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