Gauteng police arrest 763 wanted suspects in Operation Shanela II

Gauteng police say they have arrested 763 wanted suspects during Safer Festive Season Operation Shanela II, as they intensify efforts to combat crime across the province. The operation, conducted over the weekend, also targeted crimes against women and children, drug dealing and drunk driving, with police shutting down liquor outlets that violated the law. South African Police Service (SAPS ) spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, said intelligence-driven operations and visible policing will continue throughout the festive season to ensure the safety of residents. “ The Gauteng provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, commended all participating role players for their continued collaboration and commitment to combating crime. He further reiterated that the police will maintain pressure on criminals through sustained, intelligence-driven operations and visible policing throughout the festive season.” “Members of the public are urged to support police efforts by reporting any criminal activities to the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or through the MySAPS app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone”, she says. #sapsGP [GP: SAFER FESTIVE SEASON OPERATION SHANELA II YIELDS SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES IN GAUTENG] The police in Gauteng continue to tighten their grip on criminals through intensified #SaferFestiveSeason operations conducted across all five districts in the province. The operations, which include roadblocks, patrols, stop-and-searches, compliance inspections, and tracing of wanted suspects, are yielding positive results and ensuring that residents of Gauteng experience a safe and secure festive period. During operations conducted over the weekend of 23 to 25 October 2026, the detectives throughout the province arrested 763 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including 158 suspects sought for crimes committed against women and children. Other successes recorded during the operations include the arrest of 13 suspects for dealing in drugs and 15 for possession of drugs. A further 83 illegal foreign nationals were apprehended. Police also closed down 23 liquor outlets for contravening the Gauteng Liquor Act. In addition, 92 motorists were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, while 16 people were arrested for drinking in public. The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, commended all participating role players, including #SAPS members, Metro Police Departments, the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, private security partners and #CommunityPolicing Forums, for their continued collaboration and commitment to combating crime. Lieutenant General Mthombeni reiterated that police will maintain pressure on criminals through sustained, intelligence-driven operations and #VisiblePolicing throughout the festive season. Members of the public are urged to support police efforts by reporting criminal activities to the SAPS #CrimeStop number 08600 10111 or through the #MySAPSApp. All information will be treated confidentially. #FightingCrime #PartnershipPolicing #EndGBVF #SaferCommunities ST — SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) October 25, 2026 – Report by Siphesihle Nhlapo