By: Natasha Archary

More than 300 000 arrests have been made since the launch of Operation Shanela in May 2023.
Additionally, the South African Police Service (SAPS) intensified its Safer Festive Season operation conducting 61 051 patrols.
Multidisciplinary and Integrated operations were responsible for more than 3 300 roadblocks and Vehicle Check Points (VCP) being conducted.
Police focused on tracing wanted suspects, detecting illegal and unwanted firearms, honing in on drunk driving suspects, stolen and hijacked vehicles, and clamping down on drugs and illicit goods.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola said the operations will continue as the country gears up for a new academic year.
“It’s an all hands on deck approach, we are leaving nothing to chance. We thank our communities for working closely with us during this festive period to prevent crime and trace wanted criminals by sharing tip-offs.
Our focus remains on serious and violent crime. Our police officers remain on the ground to ensure that we heighten visibility as it is anticipated that there will be a lot of movement on our roads.
We are entering the back to school period, so we will also be ensuring that through our school safety programme, we work jointly with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to ensure minimum incidents. We will also monitor the release of the matric exams that will take place the same week as the opening of schools.”
Some of the arrests made between the week leading to Christmas and the peak of the New Year celebrations include:
Murder and attempted murder – 1 390
Rape – 1 252
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – 1 682
Undocumented nationals – 3 317
Dealing in drugs – 575
Illegal dealing in liquor – 1 232
Assault GBH – 8 001
Assault common – 2 812
Possession of drugs – 3 973
Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition – 546
There were two New Years shooting incidents, and arrests were made in both cases as follows:
- The Soshanguve New Years shooting which claimed the lives of 4 people led to a total of 6 people being arrested, as well as the confiscation of firearms, and an AK-47.
- New Years Day shooting in Gugulethu, Cape Town saw 2 men arrested for the murders of three men.
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