More than 670 suspects wanted for serious and violent crimes have been arrested in Gauteng during the latest phase of Operation Shanela II, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.
The operation was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni and targeted suspects wanted for crimes including murder, armed robbery, rape, fraud, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and theft.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the arrests were made during the first phase of the operation, which focused on detectives tracing and apprehending wanted suspects.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, led yet another Operation Shanela II which resulted in the arrest of more than 670 suspects who have been on the run after committing serious and violent crimes,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The second phase of the operation focused on roadblocks and integrated law enforcement operations aimed at preventing the transportation of illegal goods and substances, while also searching for stolen or hijacked vehicles and other contraband.
During a roadblock in Protea, Soweto, police arrested 14 people for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and nine people for possession of drugs.
A further 13 undocumented foreign nationals were taken into custody to be processed by immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs.
Other districts also recorded arrests during weekend operations. Tshwane accounted for 86 arrests, while 45 people were arrested in the West Rand, 29 in Sedibeng and 22 in Ekurhuleni.
Neilluhulwi said Mthombeni had commended detectives and operational teams for their continued efforts to track down wanted suspects and disrupt criminal activity through intelligence-driven and integrated policing operations.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrate’s Courts in due course.