Cape Town: President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government is intensifying Operation Shanela, a successful initiative aimed at arresting suspects, recovering firearms, and seizing stolen vehicles. Operation Shanela, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), employs various strategies such as tracking and tracing operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, and stop and searches to address crime across the country. Each province’s Provincial Commissioner leads these operations.
According to South African Government News Agency, President Ramaphosa emphasized the need to tackle gun violence, a long-standing issue in South Africa. He has tasked Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola with prioritizing the reduction of gun-related crime and violence. The focus will be on preventing firearms from entering the illicit market and recovering illegal firearms, as evidence shows this approach effectively reduces violent crime.
During his State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall, President Ramaphosa highlighted SAPS’s collaboration with metropolitan municipalities and communities in high-crime provinces. He stressed the importance of making the nation safe and the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime syndicates and combat financial and violent crimes. The Detective Service will expand by 4,000 personnel to improve case-solving capabilities, and the government plans to adopt advanced technologies for modern law enforcement.
President Ramaphosa also addressed the government’s commitment to ending gender-based violence. The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act has been enacted to create a coordinated response to this crisis. The Council will be fully functional and properly resourced, with 65 Thuthuzela Care Centres established across the country and GBV shelters in 44 out of 52 districts. Additional sexual offences courts are planned for the next financial year.
On the topic of corruption, President Ramaphosa stated that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will review the anti-corruption architecture. The aim is to streamline legislation, eliminate duplication of mandates, and enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The government will finalize a whistleblower protection framework and introduce a Whistleblower Protections Bill in Parliament. Efforts to strengthen systems against money laundering and terror financing will also be made with legislative and system improvements.