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An aerial view of members of the SAPS at a roadblock at Chris Hani Road next to Maponya Mall in Soweto during Operation Shanela.
Over 1 000 people have been arrested for various crimes, including murder, rape, drug dealing and drunken driving across Gauteng over the weekend.
The suspects were arrested during the police’s Operation Shanela.
Gauteng police spokesperson Noxolo Kweza says the operation included roadblocks and raids at illegal liquor outlets.
“During the operation, over 800 wanted suspects for various crimes were apprehended by detectives across the province, with 172 arrests related to crimes committed to women and children. The provincial commissioner led the roadblock at Chris Hani Road next to Maponya Mall, where two motor vehicles were impounded, 34 illegal immigrants arrested, 19 people were arrested for drug possession, two for drunken driving, while six liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance during Shanela Two operations.”
Launched in 2023, Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus on murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers.
#sapsGP Weekend high-density #OperationShanela II carried out across all five districts in Gauteng has led to the apprehension of over 1000 suspects involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, drunken driving, drug dealing, dealing in… pic.twitter.com/sXKmqGNQRU
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 18, 2025
