Briefing the media today at the Vanderbijlpark SAPS, National Commissioner of the SAPS, General SF Masemola reiterated that Operation Shanela continue to yield positive results with 47 848 arrested for various crimes, of which 14 909 were arrested in the past fortnight.
In the past two weeks, suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, to rape, the breakdown is as follows:
- 4 391 wanted suspects were arrested
- 417 suspects were arrested for murder
- 224 suspects were arrested for attempted murder
- 453 suspects arrested for rape
- 403 suspects for car hijacking
- 3 894 for assault GBH and 2 258 for common assault
- 2 238 for possession of drugs
- 774 for dealing in drugs
- 911 for dealing illegally in liquor
- 1 034 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drug
- 306 for possession of illegal and unlicensed firearms
- 884 for Burglary at residential homes – “It should be noted that such robberies occur between midnight and 03:00am from Thursday to Sunday where criminals use the element of surprise to rob victims of their personal belongings. We are therefore urging homeowners to be extra vigilant while law enforcement agencies heighten visibility and strengthen working relations with private security who often patrol residential areas,” said Masemola.
- 2 114 illegal immigrants were also arrested during this period
In terms of recoveries: 120 vehicles have been recovered during this reporting period.
“Thus far, it is quite encouraging to witness the cumulative successes of these weekly high-density, integrated operations, which are intensified from Thursdays to Mondays when crime is most reported at police stations. We continue to collaborate and appreciate the role played by the SANDF, National and Provincial Traffic Police, Metro Police Departments, Municipal Traffic, the Department of Home Affairs, SARS, and other government departments; the CPF and community patrollers, as well as private security,” said Masemola.
He added: “We continue to act against the increase in drug dealing and abuse. It is disturbing that like alcohol, drugs are also a contributing factor to the high levels of contact crimes.”
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