Chris Hani District – Focused crime-fighting efforts under Operation Shanela II produced positive results across various parts of the Chris Hani District over the weekend, as police intensified operations to clamp down on illegal activities and improve visibility in hotspot areas.
The operation, which ran from Friday, 25 July 2025 through the weekend, aimed to combat illegal firearms, drug trafficking, illegal liquor sales, and monitor traditional ceremonies, while also reinforcing police presence through stop-and-search initiatives.
During a roadblock in Khowa on Friday, motorists received traffic fines. A 39-year-old suspect was arrested on the spot after police recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition in his possession.
In Ngcobo, on Saturday, 26 July 2025, the Chris Hani District Task Team arrested a 38-year-old man found in possession of an unlicensed Norinco firearm with a tampered serial number, 9mm rounds, and a magazine. In a separate case in the same area, police issued fine for selling liquor without a license.
Elsewhere in Thornhill, Ciskei, also on Saturday, a 34-year-old suspect was arrested after police discovered a homemade firearm loaded with 9mm live rounds.
All suspects are expected to appear in court soon, pending the finalisation of administrative procedures.
The District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph commended the teams for their hard work and swift action. “The results of Operation Shanela II are encouraging. We are hopeful that these focused interventions will lead to a significant decrease in criminal activity throughout the district,” he said.
Operation Shanela II yields fruitful results across Chris Hani Districthttps://t.co/X0K2EwuSLE#ArriveAlive #GunsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/j283bzM2OX
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 29, 2025
