Nearly 700 arrested in Joburg last night
Hundreds are suspected of gender-based violence, drinking and driving and illegal immigration.
READ | Over 400 zama-zamas still underground in Barberton
Gauteng Police Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, says multiple liquor outlets were also shutdown.
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The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Elandsfontein residents raise concerns over SAPS response and corruption
Community concerns over delayed police response times, officer corruption, and accessibility to local services were brought to the fore during an SAPS imbizo held in Elandsfontein. The meeting, part of Operation Shanela and led by Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole, aimed to strengthen crime-fighting efforts and rebuild trust between SAPS and the community. Deputy District Commissioner Brigadier Lebohang Machakela acknowledged the challenges raised and encouraged residents to formally report corruption claims for proper investigation. ALSO READ: Over 12 000 illegal firearms destroyed in major Gauteng police operation 'We urge residents to work with us and our partners, from patrollers and security companies to other law enforcement agencies,' he said. Concerns over the permanent employment of volunteer patrollers were also discussed, alongside the ongoing call for a satellite police station in Elandsfontein. Brigadier Machakela said a work-study process must first assess population, crime statistics, and infrastructure before such a facility can be approved. For now, a mobile Community Service Centre continues to serve the area. ALSO READ: Over 12 000 illegal firearms destroyed in major Gauteng police operation The imbizo followed a two-day blitz across the district, which resulted in 241 arrests between July 30 and 31. These included: • 136 arrests for contact crimes • 51 related to gender-based violence • 8 for property-related offences • 30 for other serious crimes At Bedfordview Police Station, SAPS spearheaded the operation of the day, focusing on hijackings and robberies near major highways such as Gillooly's Interchange. The results included: • 29 undocumented foreign nationals arrested • A drug possession arrest • 13 taxis impounded • 23 traffic fines issued (R7 400 total) • A fine issued for non-compliance with second-hand goods regulations 'Even when we do not catch criminals, our presence helps deter them,' said Brigadier Machakela. 'We are deploying based on crime data and known hotspots.' Beyond enforcement, SAPS members and the Bedfordview CPF (BCPF) closed off Mandela Month with warmth and compassion, donating over 100 blankets to the Avril Elizabeth Home for the Handicapped and The Arbor Village Old Age Home. The initiative was supported by local businesses such as TNT Perfo Exhaust and Edenvale Knitwits. Carol Büser of the Avril Elizabeth Home expressed gratitude, noting the home's 154 residents, ranging from children to the elderly, rely heavily on donations for essentials such as food, clothing, and toiletries. 'We care for the forgotten people, and they still deserve dignity, stimulation, and care,' she said. 'This blanket donation means more than words can say.' BCPF's James Chang highlighted the importance of community support beyond policing. 'Safety is important, but compassion changes lives. We encourage others to donate and help warm someone's winter. It is how we end Mandela Month, with love and purpose.' The initiative continues beyond July, inviting ongoing community and business participation.
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Over 300 suspects arrested in SAPS's Operation Shanela in Tshwane
The SAPS officers in Tshwane arrested 356 suspects for various crimes during a major crime operation in Attridgeville township. Image: Supplied/SAPS The police's Operation Shanela, a high-intensity crime-fighting initiative, conducted a raid in Atteridgeville township, Tshwane, on Saturday, leading to the arrest of over 300 suspects for various crimes. Captain Johan van Dyk, Tshwane SAPS district spokesperson, said police arrested 356 suspects and recovered a stolen vehicle during a crime operation. The operation, part of the police's zero-tolerance approach to crime, brought together a multidisciplinary team of SAPS, Department of Home Affairs, Tshwane metro police, Gauteng traffic police, and community safety officials. Van Dyk said the operation aimed to boost police visibility and restore order, targeting the Atteridgeville policing precinct and its surrounding areas. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The joint efforts of this team yielded significant results, with 356 suspects arrested for various criminal offenses. This outcome is a direct reflection of thorough planning, targeted deployments, and sustained visibility intended to suppress crime and track wanted suspects in identified areas,' he said. He reported that Tshwane district detectives initiated the operation's first phase, arresting 260 suspects. The arrests included 65 for gender-based violence, three for murder, three for attempted murder, six for armed robbery, one for perjury, three for possessing unlicensed firearms, and six for rape. During the operation's second phase, uniformed members conducted a roadblock in the precinct, supported by two operational teams. This, Van Dyk said, resulted in the detention of 34 undocumented foreign nationals, who are now being processed by immigration authorities for court appearances and potential deportation. Additionally, one person was fined for employing illegal immigrants. A total of 1,240 individuals and 518 vehicles were searched during the operation and three vehicles were verified to determine if they were stolen. 'This resulted in the recovery of a stolen motor vehicle that was reported stolen earlier at Pretoria Central SAPS. Thirty-seven persons were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. At least 60 Aarto infringement notices were issued, amounting to R30,000 and one vehicle being discontinued due to non-compliance with the Road Traffic Act,' Van Dyk said. He added that police conducted targeted patrols and searches at 25 identified crime hotspots, disrupting criminal activity. The operation resulted in the arrest of nine people for public drinking and two individuals for dealing and possessing drugs, with 417 ziplock bags of various drugs and an undisclosed amount of cash seized. Additionally, authorities inspected 32 liquor outlets, closing 11 for non-compliance and seizing liquor and two gambling machines. Tshwane district Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine thanked all stakeholders for their support and collaboration, assuring the public that similar operations will continue across the district.
eNCA
2 days ago
- eNCA
Nearly 700 arrested in Joburg last night
JOHANNEBURG - Nearly 700 people were arrested in Johannesburg last night during Operation Shanela. Hundreds are suspected of gender-based violence, drinking and driving and illegal immigration. READ | Over 400 zama-zamas still underground in Barberton Gauteng Police Commissioner, Tommy Mthombeni, says multiple liquor outlets were also shutdown.
