SAPS at Operation Shanela in Silverton
On Saturday, 12 April 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane successfully conducted Operation Shanela in the precincts of Silverton and Garsfontein.
Under the command of Major-General Samuel Thine, District Commissioner of Tshwane, a multi-stakeholder law enforcement team—including representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, and Tracker SA—executed the operation.
This operation resulted in the arrest of 318 suspects for various offenses, the apprehension of wanted individuals, enhanced visible policing through the deployment of additional resources and officers, and the enforcement of liquor regulations in the targeted areas.
Tshwane detectives arrested 249 suspects for various offenses, including, 75 for gender-based violence, 5 for murder, 3 for attempted murder, 12 for armed robbery and 3 for rape.
A roadblock was established in Silverton, while two operational teams conducted compliance raids and law enforcement operations across the precincts.
As a result, 27 undocumented individuals were detained and are currently awaiting legal processing for deportation, with one person arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.
A total of 803 individuals and 258 vehicles were searched.
Additionally, 79 vehicles were verified to determine if they had been reported stolen, leading to the recovery of a Toyota Rado that had been stolen in Garsfontein earlier in the month.
SAPS at Operation Shanela in Silverton
Thirty-one identified premises and crime hotspots were searched and patrolled, leading to three arrests for drug possession and the confiscation of three sachets of crystal meth and one mandrax tablet.
Furthermore, 25 individuals were arrested and fined for public drinking, four persons were arrested and fined for related offenses, and 12 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
One individual was found driving under the influence while in possession of his firearm.
The firearm was confiscated, and an investigation into his fitness to possess a firearm will be conducted under the Firearms Control Act.
Traffic enforcement efforts included the issuance of 25 AARTO infringement notices amounting to R13,750 for violations of the Road Traffic Act.
Liquor compliance inspections involved five establishments, with four being shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act and 161,244 ml of alcohol confiscated.
During the search of one premises, authorities discovered 410 bank cards, 401 identification documents, 12 cellphones, one laptop, one iPad, and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect was arrested and will be charged with contravening both the Credit Act and the Prevention of Organized Crime Act.
In a separate incident on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at approximately 06:00, members of the Soshanguve SAPS responded to a house robbery in progress in Extension 3B.
Two male suspects were arrested and a pistol was recovered. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether the suspects are linked to other crimes in the area, and the firearm will undergo ballistic analysis to determine if it was used in other crimes.
Major-General Samuel Thine commended all SAPS members and stakeholders for their dedication and professionalism in executing their duties.