Law enforcement during crime operations in Silverton Tshwane photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District Communication
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane has reaffirmed its commitment to public safety through a high-impact crime-prevention operation under the banner of Operation Shanela, conducted on Saturday, 22 November 2025, in the Eersterust and Silverton policing precincts.
The operation was led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, and included the support of additional SAPS members from across the Tshwane District.
Further reinforcement was provided by the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Correctional Services, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the Department of Community Safety, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
These multidisciplinary operations are strategically planned to provide additional policing capacity, support station-level crime-fighting initiatives, and reduce crime in targeted areas.
Detectives carried out tracing operations on Friday evening, resulting in the arrest of 249 suspects linked to various crimes.
These include five suspects for murder, three for attempted murder, five for rape and 32 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In addition, 76 suspects were arrested for gender-based violence-related offences.
On Saturday afternoon, three operational teams were deployed to conduct roadblocks, compliance inspections and visible crime-prevention duties.
These actions resulted in the detention of 38 undocumented foreign nationals, who were handed over to immigration authorities for processing.
A total of 360 persons and 223 vehicles were searched, with six vehicles verified for possible theft.
Four motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Targeted patrols were conducted at 24 identified hotspots, leading to the arrest of seven suspects for possession of drugs.
Officers confiscated Mandrax pipes and several ziplock bags containing suspected narcotics.
In addition, 18 individuals were issued fines for drinking in public.
Compliance inspections at 24 liquor outlets resulted in four closures due to contraventions of the Liquor Act, and a combined total of 66 860 ml of liquor was confiscated.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department, which participated in the operational roadblock, issued four AARTO infringement notices to the value of R2 000.
District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, expressed his appreciation to all participating departments and stakeholders for their coordinated support and dedication to ensuring safer communities.
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