19/06/2025
SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER OF TSHWANE;
MAJOR-GENERAL SAMUEL THINE
19 JUNE 2025
261 Suspects Arrested During Operation Shanela in Tshwane
On Thursday, 19 June 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane continued to execute a high-impact crime-combating operation under the banner of Operation Shanela. The multidisciplinary operation was executed in the Sinoville and Villeria policing precinct.
This operation was planned and led by the District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, in collaboration with various law enforcement partners. This joint effort resulted in the arrest of 261 suspects for a range of criminal offences.
With heightened police visibility across the Policing precincts, members concentrated on enforcement activities including compliance inspections, suspect tracing, and intensified patrols in known crime hotspots.
Detectives from the district contributed to the success of the operation, accounting for 187 of the arrests. These arrests include seven for murder, three for attempted murder, nine for armed robbery, 30 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and six for r**e.
A roadblock supported by tactical teams in the precincts resulted in the detention of 63 undocumented foreign nationals. The suspects are currently being processed for court appearances and deportation.
During the operation, police searched 682 individuals and 306 vehicles, testing 14 vehicles to verify ownership. Patrols were also conducted in 35 high-crime areas and premises. This led to the arrest of a person for possession and dealing in dagga, when 1 shopping bag full of dagga, 2 compressed balls and 28 small ziplock bags of dagga with an undisclosed amount of cash were found in his possession. Another suspect was apprehended for possession of suspected stolen property when 3 TV's, 7 cellphones, 2 tablets with 2 watches were found in his possession. He could not give a reasonable explanation for possessing the property and was detained.
Traffic officers played a vital supporting role, issuing 160 AARTO infringement notices amounting to R72 600 for various offences. Seven minibus taxis were impounded for contraventions of the Road Traffic Act. 5 persons were also fined for pedestrian source of danger when they created dangerous circumstances when using the roads.
Six liquor outlets were inspected. Two were shut down for non-compliance with the Liquor Act, and police confiscated 127 530 ml of alcohol.
Major-General Thine extended his appreciation to all SAPS members and stakeholders involved in the operation.
Media Enquiries:
Captain Johan van Dyk
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