Eastern Cape Operation Shanela blitz yields more than 1 100 arrests

Eastern Cape police arrested more than 1 100 suspects and recovered 42 unlicensed firearms during high-density Operation Shanela operations conducted across the province last week.

The weekly operations are aimed at tackling serious and violent crime through increased police visibility and targeted crime prevention activities.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), police conducted visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, vehicle checkpoints and other crime prevention initiatives during the latest operation.

The activities were aimed at disrupting criminal networks and improving the safety and security of communities across the province.

Among the successes recorded were 43 suspects arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms, while 41 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.

A further 17 suspects were apprehended for possession of ammunition, while police arrested 113 undocumented foreign nationals.

Police also arrested 54 suspects for burglary and 70 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Several other suspects were arrested for serious offences including murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), robbery and malicious damage to property, among other criminal activities.

SAPS said the recovery of illegal firearms remains a key priority, as such weapons are often used in the commission of serious and violent crimes.

Dangerous weapons were also seized during the operations as part of ongoing crime prevention efforts.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said the latest successes demonstrate the police’s commitment to combating crime and dismantling criminal activities.

“The possession of unlicensed firearms continue to fuel serious and violent crimes, and we will continue to use all available resources to ensure that these weapons are removed from circulation and that those responsible are facing the full might of the law,” Ncata said.

Operation Shanela operations continue to be conducted across the Eastern Cape as police target serious and violent crime and seek to remove illegal firearms, drugs and other dangerous items from communities.