Eastern Cape police arrest more than 1,000 suspects in Shanela II sweep

Eastern Cape police arrested more than 1,000 suspects for various criminal offences during high-density operations in hotspot areas under Operation Shanela II, the South African Police Service says.

The offences listed in the police service’s media advisory include common assault, rape, burglary and theft, driving under the influence of alcohol, assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, malicious damage to property, and possession of and dealing in drugs.

Unlicensed firearms and ammunition were confiscated during the operations. SAPS says the seizures were aimed at disrupting the availability of illegal weapons and preventing firearm-related violence in communities. Police also seized 1,034 units of abalone and dangerous weapons.

Eastern Cape SAPS management commended the multidisciplinary team for its role in removing illegal firearms from the streets, apprehending suspects and working to ensure the safety of communities across the province. Management also thanked community members for sharing information with the police, and encouraged them to keep reporting criminal activities to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

The advisory does not give a breakdown of the arrests by offence, district or station, and does not say how many of those arrested have appeared in court. The figure of more than 1,000 covers suspects arrested for the range of offences listed.

The statement is a media advisory issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner, Eastern Cape, and is a summary of the operation rather than a detailed record of individual cases. Enquiries can be directed to Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa on 071 366 1907.

The source document is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71938.