| 17 553 suspects arrested including 235 for rape, over R5.6 million in contraband and 125 firearms confiscated during nationwide Shanela II operations | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/10/13 |
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Media Statement PRETORIA - The South African Police Service (SAPS) through its intensified and intelligence-driven nationwide Shanela II Operations conducted from 6 to 12 October 2025 resulted in the arrest of 17 553 suspects across the country, marking a significant stride in the fight against crime and the restoration of public safety ahead of festive season. Among those apprehended are 2 837 wanted suspects for serious crimes including murder, robbery, rape, sexual assault, illegal possession of firearms, and vehicle hijacking. The week-long operations saw police confiscating 24 499 litres of alcohol, a decisive intervention aimed at curbing the illegal liquor trade and its devastating impact on public safety and security. A total of 795 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trade - KZN (231), Mpumalanga (213) Key arrests and highlights across provinces: •64 suspects for illegal possession of firearms - KwaZulu-Natal (18), Eastern Cape (15) •556 suspects for possession of dangerous weapons •351 suspects arrested for drug dealing - Western Cape with 94, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (57) and Northern Cape 54 arrests •3 410 suspects for possession of drugs - Western Cape (2,140), KZN (350), Gauteng (338), Eastern Cape (250) •152 suspects arrested for murder - Gauteng (51), Eastern Cape (39) •101 suspects for attempted murder •235 suspects for rape - KZN (87), Gauteng (55) •1,668 suspects arrested for assault GBH during this period •712 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - Gauteng (183), Mpumalanga (170), KZN (101) •10 suspects arrested for human trafficking Confiscations and Recoveries: •Contraband goods: R5,660,134 •Abalone: 1,791 units •125 firearms, including 8 rifles and 3 shotguns •1 453 rounds of ammunition •81 vehicles recovered, including trailers, motorcycles, trucks, sedans, SUVs Shanela II operations highlights and successes achieved in various provinces Gauteng: Police rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered an AK47 with live rounds of ammunition on the R80 highway in Rosslyn, Tshwane on 10 October 2025. Four suspects were arrested and charged with kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, as well as impersonating a police officer. Limpopo: On 9 October, two suspects were arrested in Modimolle for corruption involving the illegal issuing of learner’s licences. The operation was led by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigation Unit and the Road Traffic Management Corporation. National: SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) rescued a 23-year-old kidnapped victim and arrested three suspects for kidnapping and armed robbery in Bellville, Western Cape on 09 October 2025. Police recovered victim’s belongings and an imitation firearm. KwaZulu-Natal: Four suspects aged between 25 and 35 years arrested for house robbery and kidnapping in uMgungundlovu District. The suspects took two vehicles, which were parked in the yard and drove away with the victim. During their arrest, police recovered one vehicle, a firearm, ammunition, two magazines, eight cellphones, and a TV set. Northern Cape: A 32-year-old kidnapped victim, Amanda Ward was found unharmed, and she was reunited with her family on 07 October 2025. Police investigations are still ongoing. Mpumalanga: Police arrested four suspects who allegedly shot dead Sergeant Tsheopo Edgar Mokoena and a civilian in Mpumalanga on 17 September 2025 in Orange Fram, Gauteng province. A Toyota vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of an offence was recovered. Suspects were charged with two counts of Murder and three counts of Attempted Murder. As the festive season nears, SAPS remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safety and security for all visitors, citizens, and their properties in the country through Shanela II operations. Ends
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