WC SAPS arrests more than 2 700 suspects in a week

Western Cape police arrested 2 718 suspects in the past week as part of its ‘Operation Shanela’. This is 947 less arrests than the previous week.

Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand good dealers.

PHOTO: Shuttershock

Amongst the 2 718 suspects arrested - 1 135 were wanted suspects; 309 for common assaults; 228 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

SCREENSHOT OF WEEKLY SAPS SUCCESSES

‘’The high density integrated operations comprised various SAPS units, other law enforcement agencies, private security companies and neighbourhood watch structures,’’ said Captain F.C van Wyk.

Van Wyk added that all the arrested suspects, will make their court appearance in different courts once they have been charged.

Over the weekend, Police Minister, Bheki Cele and Deputy Police Minister, Cassel Mathale, officially launched ‘Operation Shanela’, in Soweto, Gauteng.

Cele said that since its inception on 8 May 2023, 55 675 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, rape and possession of illegal firearms.

During the launch, the first batch of drones’ capabilities were displayed. The drones will be handed over to the SAPS’ operational units to enhance police visibility and the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects.

Cele urged all law enforcement officers to intensify their fight against crime.

“Don’t be kind, when criminals go hard on you go harder!  When criminals go toe to toe let’s not be the ones to lose this war, we can’t afford to pick up dead bodies of police officers. Criminals in South Africa think they have extra rights, go out there and prove them wrong”, said Police Minister, Bheki Cele.

 

Done By: Alungile Njemla