The multidisciplinary Operation Shanela II is underway in Mangaung Metro, Free State Province.
The intelligence driven operation targeting serious and violent crimes such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, murder, house robberies, car jackings and proliferation of illegal drugs and prohibited firearms afflicting communities in identified crime hot spots in Bloemspruit, Parkweg, Botshabelo, Boithuso, Kopanong and stations on borderline areas is aimed at enhancing policing through employment of advanced operational strategies, technologies and deployment of resources in response to crime trends and patterns.
Integrated forces execute various operational concepts during high visibility deployment, carry out proactive policing actions such as compliance inspections, foot; vehicles, horseback patrols, roadblocks, as well as stop-and-search activities and tracing of wanted suspects. Operational Shanela II is intended to make the country proud by creating safer communities and building businesses through: maintenance of the highest level of command and control; and execution of duties with excellence, uphold and enforce the law.
On Friday 27 June 2025, integrated forces; South African Police Service, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Community Safety Roads and Transport [Provincial Traffic] and Border Management Authority paraded at Wepener Police Station grounds for operation targeting cross-border crime. A roadblock was assembled on R702 Road, and nine undocumented persons were arrested for Contravention of Immigration Act. A Toyota Quantum minibus was impounded for using unauthorized routes in terms of National Road Traffic Act; 75 vehicles and 161 persons were searched.
Compliance inspection was also conducted in Qibing where 25 liters of home-brewed concoction were confiscated; one unauthorized distributor was issued with a fine in terms of Free State Gambling and Liquor Act and 128 520 liters of alcohol were confiscated. One other person was issued with a fine for selling liquor whilst not being duly registered to do so, and 31 890 liters of alcohol were also confiscated.
Policing actions continued in Parkweg Police Station area, where 41 year old male foreign national was arrested for Dealing in drugs in Douglas Street, Bloemfontein Central Business District. Members of Public Order Police conducted a search and seized eight (8) zip lock plastics containing Chrystal Meth and cash believed to be proceeds of drugs sale. During Stop-and-search activities, six (6) undocumented persons were arrested. Vehicle Check Point was conducted in Ella Street, and four (4) fines were issued in terms of Road Traffic Act.
Bloemspruit Police Station held a session with its rural communities with the purpose of improving accessibility to policing, improving service delivery and investigation into outstanding cases. The station Visible Policing Commander Colonel Moorcroft, station rural safety coordinators, Community Police Forum Chairperson Mr Makhanya, and Warrant Officer Engelbrecht from Legal Services discussed different topics including Citizens Arrest with community members during the session. High visibility deployment operation also took place in Bloemspruit where suspects were arrested for Possession of drugs (1), Possession of dangerous weapons (2), and Contravention of Immigration Act (4). Operation Shanela II actions continue in other identified crime hot spots.
Mangaung Metro Integrated Forces march on Operation Shanela 2https://t.co/Pulkslc1aQ#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/w2wSaz2TXF
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 30, 2025
