The South African Police Service (SAPS) has in recent days carried out a series of raids and high-intensity operations across the country, arresting hundreds, seizing firearms, drugs stolen goods and counterfeit items.
Operation Shanela
SAPS North West have apprehended 793 suspects during Operation Shanela throughout the Province from Monday, 15 July 2024 until Sunday, 21 July 2024.
The suspects were apprehended for a range of different charges such as rape, murder, assault GBH (Grievous Bodily Harm), malicious damage to property, and theft of motor vehicle. Fifty-four were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Of the 793 arrested suspects, 347 were wanted for contact crimes like murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Additionally, 29 undocumented persons were taken into custody for processing.
The arrests were the result of several actions, including stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, inspection of 56 licensed liquor premises, and the tracing of wanted suspects. The operation further resulted in the confiscation of a variety of drugs, dangerous weapons, four handguns and ammunition, three vehicles, liquor, tobacco products, and 11kg of copper cables.
Gauteng police arrest 1032 suspects during high-intensity operation
Saturday, 20 July 2024 saw Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, initiate a series of high-intensity operation across Gauteng. These operations resulted in the arrest of 1032 suspects involved in various serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, drug dealing, contravention of the Immigration Act, and possession of unlicensed firearms.
The multi-disciplinary operation was conducted through strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects. Detectives arrested 127 suspects for crimes committed against women and children
The Provincial Commissioner partook in an operation in Evaton, Sedibeng District, an area known for violent contact crimes such as murder, assault, truck hijackings and robbery. A roadblock manned by SAPS officers apprehended 26 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol.
SAPS Gauteng indicated the high-density operation will continue until a “substantial reduction in crime is achieved in Gauteng.”
Suspect arrested for murder of police officer in 2023
Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, announced the arrest of suspects involved in the murder of a police officer in Inanda 2023. The arrests were conducted by members of the SAPS Inanda Trio Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal, along with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Provincial Tracking Team, the DPCI Anti-Gang Unit, and other law enforcement agencies.
In a “decisive and high-stakes operation,” the suspects were tracked down by the Task Team, which resulted in a confrontation ending ultimately in a shootout. During the intense exchange, three suspects were fatally wounded. Minister Mchunu expressed his appreciation for the SAPS members’ “unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
“The loss of a police officer in the line of duty is a profound tragedy, not only for the family and colleagues of the fallen officer but for the entire nation. To the members of the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, your bravery and dedication are a testament to the spirit of our police force. We are immensely proud of your actions and will continue to support you in every way possible.”
The Minister further stressed the importance of bringing criminals to justice, calling for community cooperation, saying “We will not tolerate any attacks on our law enforcement officers. The SAPS will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and safety of our communities with unyielding determination. I urge the public to work hand-in- hand with the police by providing any information that could assist in preventing and solving crimes. Together, we can build safer communities for all”.
CIT Robbery suspect nabbed with automatic weapon
SAPS in the Eastern Cape are continuing with their efforts to clamp down on cash-in-transit robberies, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the province. The previous week saw a total of 33 firearms were seized.
In the OR Tambo District on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, the Tactical Response (TRT) in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Upper Ngqwarha location, Mqanduli. The team acted on a tip regarding a Cash-in-transit robbery, which occured in Mqanduli on Friday, 05 July 2024. This resulted in the arrest of a 32-year-old man, found in possession of BXP submachinegun with ammunition. The suspect was detained for possession of prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition. A preliminary investigation revealed the firearm had been stolen from a private security company in Mqanduli more than three years prior, in February 2021.
Upon questioning, the suspect led the police to a homestead in Mpunzana location, Mthatha, where a silver-grey Toyota Corolla linked to a business robbery in Sterkspruit was recovered. The suspect is expected to be charged with robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The firearm was sent for ballistics analysis, while the vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
Further SAPS activity in Limpopo uncovered a R2 billion “Clandestine drug lab”, initially arresting four suspects, including two Mexican nationals. On 23 July 2024, a fifth suspect was arrested, and revealed to also be a Mexican national.