Police have, through their high-density operations known as Operation Shanela, arrested 13 996 suspects throughout the country over the course of this past week.

Through detectives and crime intelligence tracing operations, roadblocks as well as stop and searches, police said they have taken a ‘bold and decisive approach’ in protecting the communities that they serve.

The operations, which take place across the country, are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.

The following arrests were made:

4 065 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies;

106 suspects for murder;

150 suspects for attempted murder;

182 suspects for rape, 80 of them were arrested in the province of KwaZulu-Natal;

134 suspects for being in the illegal possession of firearms, 66 of them were arrested in the Eastern Cape;

582 suspects for the illegal dealing in liquor, 262 of these arrests were effected in KwaZulu-Natal, and

240 drug dealers.

Police sa
id assault grievous bodily harm continues to register a large number of arrests, with 1 372 suspects arrested.

A total of 158 firearms were confiscated during operations, 47 of these firearms were confiscated during police operations in KwaZulu-Natal.

‘This is the second consecutive week in which police in KZN recover a high number of firearms. In the week from 21 July to 27 July 2024, the province seized 40 firearms,’ SAPS said.

Also, 1 448 rounds of ammunition were confiscated and 74 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during the week’s operations.

‘Two kidnappers were arrested and 90 undocumented Ethiopian nationals were rescued from a suspected human trafficking ring in Johannesburg.

‘The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks, in the Eastern Cape shot and killed five cash-in-transit [heist] suspects, while three suspects were arrested during a tracing operation.

‘R300 million worth of drugs suspected to be crystal meth were seized in Fourways, Johannesburg. In the same oper
ation, a kidnapped businessman was rescued and eight kidnappers were arrested.

‘Counterfeit goods worth R7 million were seized in Fordsburg and Dragon City in Johannesburg.

‘KwaZulu-Natal police intercepted criminals involved in serious and violent crime across the province, including suspects wanted for murders, armed robberies and hijackings. During arrests, police were confronted by heavy gunfire. Two police officers were injured and hospitalised, while more than 10 suspects were fatally wounded.’

The SAPS said police would continue with their operations and stamp the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa.

Source : South African Government News Agency