A unified policing initiative in Tshwane has sent a strong message to criminals as crime prevention operations continue to intensify during the festive season. This ongoing multidisciplinary approach once again produced significant results, leading to the arrest of 358 suspects and the seizure of liquor during a high-impact Operation Shanela deployment in the Akasia and Soshanguve precincts on Thursday, 11 December 2025.
This achievement comes from the continuation of a well-established coordinated strategy driven by the Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, and supported by several SAPS units and partner agencies. The operation included a wide network of law enforcement partners such as the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department, Gauteng Provincial Traffic, the Department of Community Safety, and local Community Policing Forums.
Detectives carried out intensive suspect tracing operations on Wednesday night and into the early hours of Thursday morning, resulting in 291 arrests. Among the arrested suspects were 4 wanted for murder, 46 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 2 for attempted murder, and 4 for rape. Another 100 individuals linked to gender based violence cases were also taken into custody.
High visibility policing continued through roadblocks, inspections and patrols to strengthen community safety and enforce legislation. These efforts resulted in 873 person searches, 522 vehicle searches, and the verification of 7 vehicles and 1 firearm to confirm that they were not stolen.
Forty four undocumented immigrants were arrested and handed over to immigration officials for further processing.
Seventeen liquor outlets were inspected. Eight were closed and fined for violations of the Liquor Act. Police confiscated 667022 millilitres of liquor, 1 gambling machine and a compressor. One person was arrested and fined for drinking in public. Seven second-hand goods dealerships were inspected, and all were found to be compliant with the Second Hand Goods Act.
Traffic authorities issued 95 AARTO infringement notices with a total value of 38100 rand for various Road Traffic Act offences. Fifteen taxis were impounded for being unroadworthy.
Targeted patrols in 26 hotspot areas revealed ongoing drug-related activity. Three suspects were arrested for possession and dealing in drugs. Police seized 35 ziplock bags containing different substances and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Major General Thine thanked all participating agencies for their continued dedication to building safer communities throughout Tshwane.
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