SAPS Arrests Over 12,000 Suspects, Including Killers and Rapists, During Operation Shanela

CRACKDOWN: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested more than 12, 000 suspects – including killers, rapists and drug dealers – during their anti-crime crackdown last week. Photo: SAPS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested more than 12, 000 suspects – including killers, rapists and drug dealers – during their anti-crime crackdown last week.

At least 12,251 suspects, among them 1,065 illegal foreign nationals, were rounded up across the country during Operation Shanela between Monday, January 27, and Sunday, February 2. 

The high-density operation is managed at the provincial level by each provincial commissioner. 

In a statement on February 3, SAPS reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime, stating that it will continue “to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country.” 

Crime-fighting activities under this operation include tracking operations, roadblocks, high-visibility patrols, stop-and-search initiatives, and the tracing of wanted suspects. 

Among those arrested were 135 suspects for murder, 218 for rape, 170 drug dealers, and 1,412 individuals for possession of drugs. 

Some of the major takedowns included the apprehension of two men suspected of torching 51 Putco buses in Nkangala District, Mpumalanga, on January 27. 

Another significant arrest was that of 38-year-old Zambian national Kaunda Martin and 41-year-old Tanzanian national Mkumba Jafari Hamisi, who were apprehended for alleged drug dealing following a tip-off about a truck transporting drugs from Tanzania to Johannesburg. 

Police intercepted the truck along the R49 road in Zeerust, North West, and discovered crystal meth worth R37 million hidden in a false compartment.

CRACKDOWN: These are some of the firearms and illegal mining equipment seized by the South African Police Service (SAPS) during last week’s anti-crime crackdown. Photos: SAPS

In Gauteng, police arrested a suspect for a double murder and house robbery that occurred in Lyttelton, Pretoria, on January 27. The suspect’s modus operandi involved identifying homes listed for sale, approaching the owners, and making contact under the guise of being a prospective buyer.

Meanwhile, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in the OR Tambo District arrested a 33-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearms during a takedown operation in Ngonya, Eastern Cape.

Seized firearms included an R5 rifle, AK-47, shotgun, pistol, and revolver, along with multiple magazines, an assortment of ammunition, and suspected stolen property.

Police also arrested 34 suspects for illegal mining, with 26 of these arrests taking place in the Free State province. African Times previously reported that illegal miners, commonly known as ‘Zama Zamas,’ were diverting water and electricity from vulnerable communities in Welkom, Free State, to sustain their underground operations. 

Another notable operation resulted in the fatal shooting of the most wanted and feared Inanda West Gang leader, aged 22, and his 27-year-old accomplice, during a shootout with police at Cottonlands in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, on January 30. 

SAPS has vowed to continue its operations, asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country.

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