Johannesburg: Over 17,000 suspects have been arrested in Operation Shanela nationwide, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
According to South African Government News Agency, a total of 17,054 suspects were apprehended, including 266 individuals for rape and the seizure of 155 firearms during this week's nationwide Operation Shanela. The arrests were made between 27 July and 2 August.
The police reported that 2,911 wanted suspects were detained for serious and violent crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, car hijackings, rape, and house and business robbery. Additionally, 179 suspects were arrested for murder.
In terms of other offenses, 1,763 individuals were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm (GHB), while 246 were arrested for dealing in drugs. There were also 15 suspects arrested for human trafficking, and 2,406 for drug possession.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of 1,805 rounds of ammunition, 155 firearms, and 53 hijacked and stolen vehicles. Among other notable arrests, a 25-year-old suspect from So Paulo was intercepted attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at R4.2 million at OR Tambo International Airport.