A multidisciplinary policing operation in Tshwane has resulted in the arrest of 347 suspects and the confiscation of liquor during a high impact Operation Shanela deployment in the Brooklyn and Lyttelton precincts on Saturday, 6 December 2025. This achievement follows a well planned and coordinated effort led by the Tshwane District Commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, with support from several SAPS units and partner agencies. The operation involved cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs, the Tshwane Metro Police Department, the Department of Community Safety, the Department of Correctional Service and local Community Policing Forums. Detectives led the initiative with intensive tracing of suspects on Friday evening. This resulted in 255 arrests, including 5 suspects wanted for murder, 1 for attempted murder, 2 for armed robbery and 2 for rape. Another 74 individuals facing gender based violence related charges were also taken into custody. High visibility policing followed, with roadblocks, inspections and patrols aimed at improving community safety and enforcing legislation. These actions led to 508 searches of individuals, 268 vehicle searches and the verification of 10 vehicles to confirm they were not stolen. A total of 35 illegal immigrants were arrested and handed over to immigration officials for further processing. Eight liquor outlets were inspected. One outlet was closed and fined for violating the Liquor Act, and 15 bottles of 750 millilitre liquor were confiscated. Two spaza shops were also visited and inspected. Traffic authorities issued 4 AARTO infringement notices worth 3 500 rand for violations of the Road Traffic Act. A total of 20 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Another 21 people were arrested and fined for drinking in public, and 1 person was arrested and fined for illegal gambling. Targeted patrols in 22 hotspot areas revealed ongoing drug related activity. Seven suspects were arrested for drug possession when police seized 2 scales, 4 ziplock bags containing crystal meth, 16 ziplock bags containing rocks and 4 ziplock bags containing half tablets. Major General Thine thanked all partner agencies for their continued commitment to creating safer communities in Tshwane.
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