The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Tshwane continued its fight against crime through an integrated, zero-tolerance Operation Shanela held on Thursday, 13 November 2025, in the Mamelodi-West and Mamelodi-East policing areas.
The operation forms part of SAPS Tshwane’s ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities across the city. It was led by District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine and involved members from various SAPS units, along with officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Traffic Police, Department of Community Safety, and Community Policing Forums (CPFs).
The operation began on Wednesday night, when detectives arrested 302 suspects for various crimes — including 3 for murder, 13 for attempted murder, 7 for armed robbery, and 2 for rape.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, three operational teams were deployed to conduct roadblocks, compliance checks, and patrols, which led to the arrest of 43 undocumented foreign nationals who were handed over to immigration authorities.
A total of 678 people and 409 vehicles were searched, while patrols were conducted in 23 identified crime hotspots. During these patrols, police arrested 6 suspects for drug-related offences and seized 4 Mandrax tablets, 8 sachets of crystal meth, 70 sachets of Nyaope, and cash. One person was also arrested for smoking dagga in public, and another for attempted murder and possession of ammunition.
Police also inspected 17 liquor outlets for compliance with the Liquor Act. Nine were closed for non-compliance, and 570 litres (820 ml) of liquor were confiscated. One suspect was arrested for public drinking, while another was detained for possession of a VW Golf linked to a fraud case.
Traffic officers issued 152 AARTO fines amounting to R76 850, and 20 vehicles were impounded for violating traffic regulations.
District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine expressed gratitude to all departments and partners for their dedication and teamwork in ensuring the success of the operation.
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