Mthatha: This week, the Ministers of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster led a crime prevention outreach in Mthatha. This outreach involved community engagement, visits to schools, raids at liquor outlets, stop-and-search operations, roadblocks, and parolee compliance inspections.
According to South African Police Service, the operations conducted on Friday, 19 September 2025, were spearheaded by various government departments, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, and Municipal Traffic services. These efforts resulted in significant achievements: 56 wanted suspects were captured for serious and violent crimes such as rape, murder, attempted murder, and armed robberies. Additionally, 45 suspects were arrested for other offenses and serious crimes.
During the outreach, a total of 642 vehicles and 687 people were searched, leading to the arrest of 75 illegal immigrants. Authorities issued traffic fines amounting to R35,700, seized eight dangerous weapons, and recovered one firearm. Among those apprehended were 23 suspects for assault GBH, with two individuals arrested for selling liquor without a license.
Since the initiation of Operation Shanela II on 01 April 2025, the Eastern Cape Province has confiscated 756 illegal firearms and over 8,000 rounds of ammunition. Notably, 181 illegal firearms and 1,804 rounds of ammunition were seized within the OR Tambo District Municipality alone.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner of Police, highlighted the ongoing success of Shanela II operations in enhancing public safety and stability. 'These ongoing operations, which focus on high-visibility, stop-and-searches, and tracing of wanted suspects, have resulted in thousands of arrests, and the seizure of firearms, drugs, and stolen property across the country,' stated General Mosikili.