The South African Police Service (SAPS), through its high-density operations under Operation Shanela, has successfully arrested 13 105 suspects between Monday, 30 December 2024, and Sunday, 05 January 2025. This operation is part of SAPS’ ongoing commitment to combat crime nationwide, utilizing proactive strategies such as tracking operations, roadblocks, high-visibility patrols, stop-and-searches, and the tracing of wanted suspects.
Led by the Provincial Commissioners of each province, Operation Shanela continues to yield significant results in addressing crime across South Africa. In just the past week, a total of 1 743 wanted suspects were arrested, with charges ranging from murder and attempted murder to rape and robbery. Among these, 142 individuals were arrested for murder, with the highest number of arrests recorded in the Eastern Cape. 81 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, and 241 individuals were arrested for rape, with KwaZulu-Natal making up nearly of these arrests, with 119 suspects apprehended. Additionally, 1 646 people were arrested for assault GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm), and 473 individuals were arrested for drug dealing. A further 1 337 people were apprehended for being in possession of illegal drugs, with a significant number of these arrests taking place in the Western Cape. Moreover, 126 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, with KwaZulu-Natal again leading in this category. The operations also resulted in the arrest of 1 166 illegal foreign nationals and 873 drivers arrested for driving under the influence.
SAPS also reported impressive successes in firearm and vehicle recoveries. During the past week, 125 firearms were confiscated, alongside 752 rounds of ammunition, and 51 stolen vehicles were recovered.
In terms of major takedowns, a police operation in Mpumalanga led to the arrest of two suspects involved in a double murder in Ermelo. A specialized team re-arrested Lovemore Musoyi, a dangerous fugitive wanted for multiple serious crimes across various provinces. In Gauteng, a joint operation resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth R627,290 in Midrand, while the Western Cape’s Anti-Gang Unit made a significant arrest of a man found in possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition. In North West, five suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Lesego Klaas Makaku in Hartebeespoortdam. Meanwhile, 54 illegal miners were arrested in Mpumalanga, with ongoing operations being conducted in Stilfontein.
Other notable incidents included a shootout in Barberton, Mpumalanga, where suspects involved in a house robbery were confronted by the police, resulting in the death of one suspect and the arrest of another. The suspects had earlier held a family, including a nine-month-old baby, hostage before robbing them and fleeing in the family’s vehicle.
SAPS is committed to continuing its operations and asserting the authority of the state in ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country. With high-density operations like Operation Shanela and task forces such as Operation Vala Umgodi, SAPS remains focused on tackling crime head-on, from violent crimes to illegal mining, and upholding public safety throughout the nation.
