The South African Police Service (SAPS) has continued with Operation Shanela, a series of high-density operations coordinated at the provincial level. In the week of 9 to 15 September, the SAPS apprehended 13 950 suspects across the country.
Through cooperation between detective services and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks, and stop and searches, the SAPS have “taken a bold and decisive approach in protecting the communities that they serve.”
Arrests
In a statement, the SAPS announced 2 673 wanted suspects were apprehended in connection with crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies, with116 suspects arrested for murder. A further 94 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, while 218 suspects were arrested for rape, with 94 of them were arrested in the province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN).
Illegal possession of firearms saw 122 suspects arrested – 41 were arrested in the Eastern Cape and 34 in KZN. Assault with Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) continues to register a large quantity of arrests, with 1 635 suspects apprehended.
Suspected drug dealers account for 185 arrests during this period, with 2001 suspects arrested for drug possession – 1 257 arrests occurred in the Western Cape (WC) alone.
Recoveries and Confiscations
The SAPS confiscated 151 firearms, with 30 of these firearms confiscated during operations in EC, KZN confiscated 29 and WC confiscated 22. Additionally, 3 765 rounds of ammunition were confiscated – 2 205 rounds were confiscated in KZN.
Officers further recovered 81 hijacked and stolen vehicles during the week’s operations.
Major Takedowns
An Emfuleni Local Municipality employee and a branch party leader were arrested for extortion related offences in the Vaal area.
Three wanted suspects were shot and killed in shootouts with officers in KZN. The suspects were wanted in connection with serious and violent crime charges, including murder.
Officers apprehended 85 illegal miners, with 52 arrested in the Free State through Operation Vala Umgodi, which specifically targets illegal mining.
Seven police officers were arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) for attempting to extort R100 000 from a Durban businessman.
Two off-duty police officers acted on information regarding a kidnapping in Soweto, rescuing the victim and apprehending a suspect.
“Police will continue with their operations in stamping the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa,” said a statement issued by the SAPS.
