The multidisciplinary high-density Operation “Shanela II” conducted from Monday, 3 November 2025 to Sunday, 9 November 2025, resulted in the arrest of 959 suspects across the province for a range of offenses. The operation also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and other contraband.
The operation involved tracing wanted suspects, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints, monitoring of hotspots, and high-visibility patrols. Arrests spanned from illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and drugs to more serious crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery.
In total, 11 wanted suspects were arrested, with additional arrests including:
– 12 for possession of unlicensed firearms
– 6 for illegal drug dealing
– 32 for possession of drugs
– 14 for illicit cigarettes
– 10 for illegal possession of ammunitions
– 22 for possession dangerous weapons
and 32 for possession of precious metals.
Other charges included:
– 52 for common assault
– 60 for Assault GBH
– 5 for attempted murder
– 11 for rape
– 7 for murder
– 2 for house robberies
– 1 for aggravated (armed) robbery
– 10 for illicit mining, and 210 illegal immigrants. 29 Driving under the influence
– 24 malicious damage to property (24)
– and 16 residential burglaries were also recorded.
Seizures included:
– 838.34 litres of alcoholic beverages
– 15 firearms
– 91 different caliber of ammunition
– R57,340 in cash
– 2 cellphones
– 10 kg of copper cable
– 1,068 kg of counterfeit goods
and 22 dangerous weapons.
Suspects have begun appearing before magistrates’ courts across the province.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended officers and stakeholders for the operation, highlighting the collective effort to enhance community safety.
