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SAPS Nets 16,599 Arrests in Pre-Easter 'Operation Shanela' Sweep

The weeklong crackdown was meant to curb violent crime before the Easter travel rush.

Overview

  • Police reported more than 16,000 arrests during the national Operation Shanela sweep ahead of Easter.
  • Detectives said they caught 2,026 wanted suspects linked to murder, rape, carjackings, illegal guns, and robberies.
  • Officers seized counterfeit and illicit goods valued at about R160 million, with airport drug busts topping R5 million.
  • Gauteng police logged 1,170 arrests under Operation Shanela II across the province and reported a recovered hijacked vehicle.
  • A focused push in Sebokeng produced 128 arrests, including 102 before the raid and 26 during it, and suspects are due in court.