Tshwane police apprehend 429 suspects for various crimes during operation shanela on Thursday morning under the guidance of Major-General Azwinndini Nengovhela.
The team Tshwane have once again put their boots on the ground and demonstrated their unwavering commitment to combating crime within the Garsfontein and Welbekend in Tshwane policing Precincts.
This operation was executed with coordination among various agencies, including the Departments of Home Affairs, Labour, Gauteng Traffic Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Tracker, Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum from the respective stations, and elected Councillors.
Additionally, members from different SAPS stations and units operating within the Tshwane Policing area played pivotal roles.
Tshwane District Communication Coordinator Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk told the Tshwane Talks that the operation entailed high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, compliance inspections, and raids on illicit liquor outlets. Throughout the operation, Tshwane Detective teams successfully apprehended 303 suspects.
Among them were 83 individuals involved in gender-based violence, 3 charged with murder, 4 with attempted murder, 7 involved in armed robbery, and 10 apprehended for rape.
“Our police officers are working hard and making sure that our community is safe at all times,” Warrant Officer Van Dyk said.
He said they were supported by three uniformed groups comprising two compliance teams and a roadblock group, Seven illegal liquor outlets were inspected and subsequently three were closed, and 1427 350 milliliters of liquor were confiscated and handed in.
All liquor seized will be disposed of once the criminal cases have concluded.
One person was arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes, and 220 lose cigarettes were confiscated and will be destroyed upon finalization of the criminal case.
One person was found in possession of 17 KG of copper and could not give a proper explanation of why he was in possession of the goods.
He was subsequently charged for possession of suspected stolen goods.
“We are not going to let criminals walk freely on the street as SAPS and we will fight crime until the end,” he said.
Warrant Officer Van Dyk said 1 pellet firearm and 2 knifes were confiscated and handed and furthermore, 124 undocumented immigrants were detained and will undergo deportation proceedings once legal matters are finalized.
Throughout the operation’s duration, a total of 12 identified premises, 2142 individuals, and 448 vehicles underwent search procedures and 49 vehicles were tested to make sure they were not stolen, with 142 Aarto infringement notices issued to the value of R 66 000 with 1 vehicle discontinued for not being roadworthy.
Department of Labour inspected 5 business premises and subsequently issued 5 contravention notices. All the arrested individuals will appear in court in due course.