Different law enforcement busy at road block during Operation Shanela photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District Communication Coordinator
Ongoing, coordinated crime-prevention efforts by multiple law-enforcement agencies in Tshwane continue to yield positive results as the new year begins.
Through a sustained multidisciplinary policing approach, 345 suspects were arrested and liquor was confiscated during a high-impact Operation Shanela conducted in the Mamelodi East and Silverton policing precincts on Saturday, 10 January 2026.
The operation forms part of a continued, proven strategy under the leadership of the Acting Tshwane District Commissioner, Brigadier Moses Dladla, with support from various SAPS units and key partner stakeholders.
The deployment brought together a range of law-enforcement partners, including the Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), the Department of Community Safety, as well as local Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
Detectives intensified suspect-tracing operations from Friday night into the early hours of Saturday morning, leading to the arrest of 259 suspects.
These included 28 arrests for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, four for attempted murder, four for armed robbery, and 13 for rape.
In addition, 94 suspects were apprehended for offences related to gender-based violence.
High-visibility policing operations, including roadblocks, stop-and-search actions, inspections and patrols, were conducted to enhance public safety and ensure compliance with legislation.
During these actions, 325 individuals and 165 vehicles were searched, while 34 vehicles were verified to confirm they were not stolen.
Nine motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
A total of 56 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested and handed over to immigration authorities for further processing.
Nineteen liquor outlets were inspected, resulting in eight being closed and fined for contraventions of the Liquor Act.
Police confiscated 317 490 ml liquor, as well as one gambling machine, a laptop and a paypoint machine.
Three second-hand goods dealers were inspected and found to be compliant with the Second-Hand Goods Act.
Traffic authorities issued 15 AARTO infringement notices to the value of R12 250 for various Road Traffic Act offences.
Targeted patrols conducted in 27 identified hotspot areas led to the arrest of three suspects for possession and dealing in drugs, after 20 ziplock bags containing various drugs were found in their possession.
Two individuals were arrested and fined for drinking in public, while four others were arrested for illegal gambling.
Brigadier Dladla commended all participating agencies for their continued dedication and cooperation in the fight against crime, reaffirming the commitment to building safer communities across Tshwane.
Tshwane Talks readers have been able to read stories in this publication for free for over two years now. We still want our readers to access our stories for free, but we are asking those among our readers who can afford it to contribute at least R30 a month to cover some of the costs of publishing this independent, non-aligned online newspaper which gives a voice to all sectors of society irrespective of race, colour, creed, religion, or political affiliation. You may make your contribution by depositing at least R30 a month into Tshwane Talks' bank account. Details are as follows:
Bank Details
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Number: 10225548834
Account Type: Cheque Account