Arrests Made During Operation Shanela in Tshwane
Police in Tshwane conducted Operation Shanela over the weekend, resulting in a significant number of arrests for various offenses. According to Tshwane District Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk, a total of 291 suspects were apprehended on Saturday, with an additional 88 arrests made on Friday.
Serious Offences
Captain Van Dyk reported that over 200 suspects were arrested for serious offenses during Operation Shanela. Among these arrests were 66 individuals for gender-based violence, one for murder, six for attempted murder, three for armed robbery, and one for rape. In addition, eight undocumented individuals were detained for deportation proceedings.
During the operation, officers searched 481 individuals and 174 vehicles, leading to the impounding of a car for further investigation. Twenty individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Furthermore, 18 identified premises and hotspots were searched, resulting in 15 arrests for public drinking. Seven AARTO infringement notices were issued, totaling R6,500.22 in fines. Eight liquor establishments were inspected, with eight being closed for non-compliance with the Liquor Act. A total of 258 100 milliliters of liquor and 520 loose cigarettes were confiscated.
Festive Season Operations
In addition to the arrests made during Operation Shanela, 88 suspects were apprehended in ongoing festive season operations. A High-Density operation was conducted in various policing precincts, resulting in the detention of 56 undocumented individuals awaiting deportation proceedings.
913 individuals, 349 vehicles, nine premises, 22 Spaza shops, and 20 liquor establishments were searched during the operation. One illegal liquor outlet was closed, and 542 110 milliliters of alcohol were confiscated. Fifteen suspects were arrested for public drinking, while two individuals were apprehended for possession and dealing in drugs.
Traffic Violations
On Friday, 23 AARTO traffic violation notices amounting to R6,000 were issued, and eight motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. The Tshwane Metro Police Department also conducted inspections of Spaza shops, issuing seven notices for non-compliance.
During a joint operation in Bronkhorstspruit, eight illegal immigrants were arrested, and five notices were issued by the Department of Health for operating businesses without a certificate of acceptability. Perishable and non-perishable food items were confiscated from non-compliant shops.
