Drugs, stolen goods, law enforcement search, write fine during operation Shanela in Tshwane photos supplied
By Captain Johan van Dyk
Tshwane District Communication Coordinator
A collective policing initiative by several law enforcement agencies in Tshwane, continues to make impact as ongoing crime-prevention operations continue.
This successful multidisciplinary approach has again yielded significant results, with the arrest of 356 suspects and the seizure of liquor during a high-impact Operation Shanela deployment in the Garsfontein and Lyttelton precincts on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
This success was achieved through the continuation of a proven coordinated strategy led by the Acting Tshwane District Commissioner, Brigadier Moses Dladla, supported by multiple SAPS units and partner stakeholders.
The operation involved a wide network of law-enforcement partners, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Provincial Traffic, the Department of Community Safety, and local Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
Detectives continued with their suspect-tracing operations on Wednesday night and into the early hours of Thursday morning, resulting in 282 arrests.
Among those arrested were one for murder, five for attempted murder, seven for armed robbery and four for rape.
A further ninety-five individuals facing gender-based violence-related charges were also taken into custody.
High-visibility policing followed through roadblocks, inspections and patrols to enhance community safety and enforce legislation.
These actions resulted in 472 persons searched, 252 vehicle searches, and the verification of 24 vehicles to ensure they were not stolen.
59 undocumented immigrants were arrested and handed over to immigration officials for further processing with two persons were arrested and fined for employing illegal immigrants.
Thirteen liquor outlets were inspected, with two closed and fined for Liquor Act violations.
Police confiscated 41 330 ml of liquor.
Six second-hand goods dealerships were inspected, all of which were found compliant with the Second-Hand Goods Act.
Traffic authorities issued 105 AARTO infringement notices amounting to R59 100 for various Road Traffic Act contraventions, with 5 vehicles being discontinued and 11 Taxi’s were impounded for being unroadworthy.
Targeted patrols in 35 identified hotspot areas resulted in the arrest of 4 persons for possession and dealing in drugs when 71 ziplock bags containing various drugs were found in their possession with another person arrested for possession of suspected stolen property when 15 kilograms of copper were found in his possession without a reasonable explanation.
Brigadier Dladla expressed his appreciation to all participating agencies for their continued commitment to creating safer communities across Tshwane.
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