the theOperation Shanela Results in Major Success
Tshwane’s Operation Shanela has successfully led to the arrest of 328 suspects in the Villieria and Silverton areas. The operation, coordinated by Major-General Samuel Thine, District Commissioner of Tshwane, targeted a range of criminal activities, including serious crimes like murder, rape, and gender-based violence.
The law enforcement initiative, conducted with the support of various agencies, has significantly impacted crime prevention in the region. Tshwane district police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk reported that, in the first phase of the operation, the police arrested 247 suspects for serious offences.
A Breakdown of Arrests
Among the 328 arrests, law enforcement detained individuals for various criminal activities. These included 66 arrests for gender-based violence, 30 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, one for attempted murder, and several others for crimes such as armed robbery, rape, and drug-related offences. The operation also led to the arrest of 46 undocumented individuals, awaiting deportation.
Van Dyk added that the police searched 625 individuals and 183 vehicles during the roadblock phase of the operation. This resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and the issuance of 14 AARTO traffic infringement notices, amounting to a fine of R14,250.
Liquor Seizures and Establishment Closures
Another major aspect of the operation shanela was the crackdown on illegal alcohol sales. Police confiscated 291,285 millilitres of liquor from non-compliant establishments. As a result of the operation, four liquor establishments were shut down for violating the Liquor Act. Van Dyk confirmed that the confiscated liquor would be destroyed once legal proceedings are complete. The operation also saw 12 liquor establishments inspected, with four of them facing closure.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies
The success of Operation Shanela was made possible by the collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies. These included the Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metro Police, the Department of Home Affairs, local security companies, and Community Policing Forums.
Major-General Samuel Thine expressed his gratitude to all involved, thanking them for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the success of the operation shanela. This large-scale effort highlights the city’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.
E-Hailing Drivers’ Legal Battle
While Operation Shanela took place, a separate issue surrounding e-hailing companies unfolded in Tshwane. Several e-hailing companies, including Wanatu, have joined the legal battle against the City of Tshwane after allegations of unfair vehicle impoundments. The impoundments sparked a wider debate about the treatment of e-hailing drivers in the city. Wanatu’s Chief Executive, Judith van der Walt, called for other drivers to join the legal action. Despite facing criticism for its Afrikaans-only hiring policy, Wanatu is pushing forward with its case to protect e-hailing drivers’ rights.
