38 DRUNK DRIVING ARRESTS AS TSHWANE CONTINUES WITH OPERATIONS
Tshwane law enforcement busy at road block photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District SAPS Communication Coordinator
The Tshwane District SAPS continues to demonstrate its commitment to combating crime through decisive policing, following a multidisciplinary Operation Shanela that resulted in the arrest of 356 suspects in the Soshanguve and Loate policing precincts.
The operation, conducted on Saturday, 26 September 2026, was aimed at targeting wanted suspects, serious and violent crimes, illegal immigration, drug-related offences, non-compliant liquor establishments and other criminal activities identified as contributing to lawlessness in the affected areas.
The operation was led by Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, and brought together members from various SAPS units and partner law enforcement agencies.
The Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and Community Policing Forums (CPFs) provided operational support.
A key component of the operation was the tracing and apprehension of wanted suspects.
Tshwane District detectives commenced targeted tracing operations on Friday evening, focusing on individuals sought in connection with serious and violent offences.
The operation continued into the early hours of Saturday and resulted in 249 wanted suspects being arrested.
Among the suspects apprehended were three wanted for murder, four for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery and 77 for gender-based violence-related offences.
Police also intensified efforts to address illegal immigration and non-compliance with relevant legislation.
During the operation, 41 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and handed over to immigration officials for further processing.
One person was additionally arrested for allegedly contravening the Immigration Act by employing an undocumented foreign national.
The compliance inspections extended to liquor outlets operating within the identified policing precincts.
Law enforcement teams inspected 27 liquor establishments, resulting in the closure of eleven premises for various contraventions.
Police also confiscated 382 106 ml of liquor during the operation.
Second-Hand Goods dealers were also inspected with 3 dealers being issued with fines for not being compliant with the Second-Hand Goods Act.
Visible policing operations were conducted simultaneously, with roadblocks, stop-and-searches and patrols concentrated at identified crime hotspots.
Officers searched 402 persons and 167 vehicles as part of efforts to prevent and detect criminal activity.
Traffic enforcement formed another component of the operation, resulting in 38 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol with one of the drivers facing another charge of possession of stolen motor vehicle.
98 persons were issued with Aarto fines amounting to R74 800 for contraventions of the Road Traffic Act.
The operation also yielded results in the fight against the illicit drug trade.
Three suspects were arrested for possession of drugs after police members discovered 85 zip-lock bags containing various suspected drugs with 5 grams of cocaine and a undisclosed amount of cash were found their possession.
Tshwane District Commissioner Major General Samuel Thine commended the members and participating law enforcement partners for their commitment and determination during the operation.
