Different law enforcement hard at work during Operation Shanela in Garsfontein in Tshwane photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District Communication Coordinator
A unified policing initiative in Tshwane has resulted in the arrest of 380 suspects, the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the seizure of various illegal items during a high-impact Operation Shanela deployment in the Pretoria Moot and Garsfontein precincts on Thursday, 27 November 2025.
This success was achieved through a coordinated effort led by the Tshwane District Commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, supported by multiple SAPS units and partner stakeholders.
The operation drew on a broad network of law-enforcement entities, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police, the Department of Community Safety, and local Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
Ahead of the main deployment, detectives carried out intensive tracing of suspects on Wednesday evening.
This formed a significant component of the operation and led to 286 arrests, among them, 2 suspects wanted for murder, 9 for attempted murder, 7 for armed robbery, 4 for rape.
A further 92 individuals facing gender-based violence-related charges were also taken into custody.
High-visibility policing followed, with roadblocks, inspections, and patrols focused on strengthening community safety and enforcing legislation.
These actions resulted in 626 searches of persons, 328 vehicle searches and the verification of 20 vehicles to ensure they were not stolen.
67 illegal immigrants were arrested and handed to immigration officials for further processing.
Two liquor outlets were fined due to violations of the Liquor Act, while two second-hand goods dealers faced penalties under the Second-Hand Goods Act.
Traffic authorities issued 147 AARTO infringement notices worth R130 700, and 10 taxis were impounded for contraventions of the Road Traffic Act.
Targeted patrols in 17 hotspot areas uncovered ongoing drug-related activity.
Five suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs when Police officers seized 50 ziplock bags containing various, 1 large bag containing dagga with 1 Mandrax tablet with Cash linked to illegal transactions were also confiscated.
Motor vehicle crime was also addressed when three suspects were arrested after being found in possession of a stolen silver Hyundai with a BMW used during the commission of this crime also being confiscated.
Major-General Thine commended all participating agencies, emphasising that coordinated policing remains essential for safer communities in Tshwane.
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