National Police Operation Yields 14,273 Arrests Nationwide

A week-long national police operation, dubbed Operation Shanela, resulted in 14,273 arrests across the country, with KwaZulu-Natal recording the highest number of arrests for illegal firearm possession and driving under the influence of alcohol. The operation targeted serious crimes, illegal weapons, drugs, and counterfeit goods across all nine provinces.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) reported that 45 suspects in KwaZulu-Natal were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms between July 21 and 27, the most of any province. The province also led in arrests for driving under the influence, with 157 people detained, just ahead of Gauteng (156). The operation included key takedowns in various provinces, including the seizure of six unlicensed firearms in KwaZulu-Natal on July 24, resulting in the arrest of two suspects.

The nationwide arrests included:

• 2,081 wanted suspects for serious crimes, including murder, rape, attempted murder, robbery, and hijacking.
• 172 for murder, with Gauteng recording 46 and Eastern Cape 37.
• 170 for rape.
• 138 for attempted murder.
• 1,598 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
• 1,700 drug-related arrests, including 324 for dealing and 1,376 for possession.
• 119 arrests for illegal firearms, with 45 of them in KwaZulu-Natal.
• 672 for driving under the influence, led by KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

The police also recovered 140 firearms and 1,720 rounds of ammunition, as well as 81 stolen or hijacked vehicles. The operation resulted in the seizure of over R156 million worth of counterfeit and illicit goods, including fake designer clothing, Springbok merchandise, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Sources:

• Siphesihle Buthelezi, KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests for illegal firearm possession and driving under the influence of alcohol during a week-long national police operation that resulted in 14 273 arrests across the country.