Some of the suspects arrested during operation Shanela in Atteridgville Tshwane photo supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District Communication Coordinator
On Saturday, 2 August 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane continued its pledge regarding its zero-tolerance stance on crime through the continued execution of Operation Shanela, a high-intensity, multidisciplinary crime-combatting Operation.
This planned intervention, aimed at increased police visibility and restoring order, focused on the Atteridgeville policing precinct and surrounding areas.
Some of the weeds and drugs found during Operation Shanela in Atteridgville
The operation was conducted under the leadership of the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, and brought together a well established coordinated team comprising members of the SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Gauteng Traffic Police, and the Department of Community Safety.
The joint efforts of this team yielded significant results, with 356 suspects arrested for various criminal offenses.
This outcome is a direct reflection of thorough planning, targeted deployments, and sustained visibility intended to suppress crime and track wanted suspects in identified areas.
Tshwane District detectives launched the first phase of the operation by arresting 260 suspects, including 65 for gender-based violence-related offences, 3 for murder, 3 for attempted murder, 6 for armed robbery, 1 for perjury, 3 for possession of unlicenced firearms and 6 for rape.
With the second phase of the operation executed by uniformed members, a roadblock was conducted within the precinct, supported by two operational teams strategically deployed across the area.
As a result, 34 undocumented foreign nationals were detained and are currently being processed by immigration authorities for court appearances and deportation with 1 person being fined for employing illegal immigrants.
In total, 1240 individuals and 518 vehicles were searched with 3 vehicles being verified to determine whether they were stolen.
This resulted in the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle that was reported stolen earlier at Pretoria Central SAPS.
37 persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
60 Aarto infringement notices were issued, amounting to R30 000 and 1 vehicle being discontinued due to non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act.
Targeted patrols and searches were also carried out at 25 identified crime hotspots, further disrupting criminal activity and resulted in the arrest of 9 persons for public drinking.
2 persons were arrested for dealing and possession of Drugs when 417 ziplock bags containing various drugs and a undisclosed amount of cash were found in their possession.
Additionally, 32 liquor outlets were inspected for compliance, leading to the closure of 11 establishments due to non-compliance.
This resulted in the confiscation of
3 460 648 ml of liquor and 2 gambling machines.
Major-General Thine extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their unwavering support and collaboration, and assured the public that similar disruptive operations will continue across the Tshwane District.
The SAPS urges members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the My SAPS App.