Gauteng: A high-density police operation led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has resulted in the arrest of over 1,500 suspects involved in various serious crimes across the province.

According to South African Government News Agency, the intensified crime-fighting campaign, Operation Shanela II, was conducted across all districts in Gauteng and targeted wanted criminals, illicit mining, drug dealing, and other priority offences. Of the total arrests, the detectives arrested 1,261 wanted suspects, with 177 arrests related to crimes against women and children.

During a roadblock in Bekkersdal and Westonaria, which was led by Lieutenant General Mthombeni, 24 motorists were arrested for drunk and driving, 27 undocumented foreign nationals, four suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, and eight for illicit mining. One suspect was also arrested for possession of gold-bearing material, and four liquor outlets were shut down for non-compliance with the regulations.

The operation was a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, Metropolitan Police Departments, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum, and private security companies.

‘The Gauteng Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to conduct operations to reduce crime,’ the South African Police Service said in a statement.