Police in Tshwane have intensified their crime-combatting efforts through an integrated, zero-tolerance operation conducted under the banner of Operation Shanela in the Pretoria Moot and Sinoville policing precincts.
The operation forms part of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) ongoing commitment to combating and reducing crime across the capital city. It was planned and executed under the command of Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine.
The multidisciplinary team included various SAPS units, officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), and members of Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
Tshwane Communication Coordinator Warrant Officer Miranda Austin told Mo’Kasi Uncut that detectives spearheaded the operation, which resulted in the arrest of 271 suspects for various criminal offences. These included two suspects for murder, two for attempted murder, seven for armed robbery, four for robbery with other weapons, 30 for common assault, three for rape, 52 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and 41 suspects for common assault related to domestic violence cases.
Austin added that trio crimes recorded during the operation included three cases of house robbery, one business robbery, one hijacking, and one truck hijacking.
The operation consisted of three operational teams deployed to conduct roadblocks, compliance inspections, and other crime-combatting activities. These efforts also led to the detention of 50 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to immigration authorities.
Austin further reported that a total of 953 people and 479 vehicles were searched during the operation, while 20 vehicles were tested. Police also visited one identified crime hotspot and inspected six liquor outlets for compliance with the Liquor Act. One liquor outlet was closed after being found non-compliant, and 15 680 ml of liquor was confiscated.
District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine expressed his appreciation to all participating departments and stakeholders for their continued collaboration and commitment. He reaffirmed SAPS’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all Tshwane residents, stating that lawlessness will not be tolerated.