By Sbongile Sokela
A province-wide, multi-agency law enforcement sweep under Operation Shanela II has delivered a major blow to crime in Gauteng, resulting in the arrest of 1,035 suspects over the weekend. Spearheaded by Gauteng Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Mbuso Khumalo, the high-density operation was conducted with precision and intensity across all five districts.
Launched on Saturday, 13 July 2025, the operation was backed by a strong collaborative force including the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, Department of Correctional Services, Community Policing Forums, and private security entities. Together, they executed a coordinated series of roadblocks, targeted raids, and crime prevention patrols.
The arrests spanned a wide spectrum of offenses, from armed robbery, drug dealing, and possession of stolen vehicles, to assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, drunken driving, and contravention of the Immigration Act. Authorities also cracked down on unlicensed firearms, illegal liquor trading, and employers of undocumented persons.
One of the highlights of the operation was the successful apprehension of over 734 wanted suspects, including 155 individuals linked to crimes involving women and children.
In the Ekurhuleni District, where violent crimes like hijacking, murder, and assault are rampant, the Acting Provincial Commissioner personally led a major roadblock in Tembisa. Parallel operations in other districts saw the impounding of two VW Polo vehicles, one with a tampered engine and the other linked to an unlicensed firearm. Police also arrested 16 drivers for driving under the influence, 11 illegal immigrants, three individuals for drug dealing, and six for illegal liquor sales.
Authorities confirmed that Operation Shanela II will remain active until significant progress is made in curbing criminal activity across the province. All arrested suspects are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Courts in the coming days.
