Police in Gauteng have arrested over 900 suspects in the high-density Operation Shanela as the SA Police Service (SAPS) continues to crack down on crime.

The arrested suspects were involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, business robbery, drug dealing, possession of drugs, assault, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The collaborative effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum and private securities.

Commencing on Saturday 10 August, the weekend operation included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects.

During the operation, over 600 suspects wanted for various crimes were apprehended by detectives across the province, with 117 arrests related to gender-based violence.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthomben, took charge of a roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, where violent crimes such as murder, assault, hijacking and robbery are prevalent.

Parallel high-density operations were conducted across all districts, resulting in the apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in criminal activities, the SAPS said.

In the Tshwane district, 43 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 79 were illegal immigrants, two were involved in drug dealing, one was nabbed for employing illegal immigrants, one for dealing in illicit cigarettes and 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with regulations.

“The high-density operation will persist until a significant crime reduction is achieved in Gauteng,” the SAPS said, adding, “the apprehended suspects will appear before various provincial Magistrates’ Courts.”