Police in Tshwane arrested 355 people during a major crime prevention operation in Mamelodi.
The operation was conducted as part of the ongoing Operation Shanela. The joint team included members from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police, National Traffic Police, and Community Policing Forum (CPF).
Tshwane police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said the operation was led by Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine. In honour of Women’s Month, operational command on the ground was given to a senior female officer from the district.
Major General Van Dyk explained that detectives started with tracing operations from Friday night until Saturday morning, which led to the arrest of 246 wanted suspects. The suspects are facing serious charges including murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and rape.
As part of the sweep, police also focused on compliance operations. Twenty liquor premises were inspected, six were closed for non-compliance, and over 755 litres of liquor were confiscated. Immigration inspections were also conducted.
High-visibility patrols and roadblocks formed part of the operation, during which 670 people and 381 vehicles were searched.
Major General Van Dyk stated that the operations form part of police efforts to ensure safer communities and urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting criminal activities.
