Monday, October 5th, 2026
Operation Shanela strikes hard against violent crime
Police nab 670 wanted suspects
CRIME SCENE: Gauteng: The police have made a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime, arresting more than 670 wanted suspects during the latest phase of Operation Shanela II, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the suspects had been on the run for serious offences including murder, armed robbery, rape, fraud, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking and theft.
They were traced and arrested during the first phase of the operation. Detectives focused on tracking down wanted individuals as part of the intelligence‑driven clampdown, said SAPS.
“The second phase saw integrated law enforcement agencies conducting roadblocks to intercept illegal goods, stolen vehicles, and contraband. At a roadblock in Protea, Soweto, police arrested 14 people for driving under the influence of alcohol, nine for possession of drugs, and detained 13 undocumented immigrants for processing by Home Affairs officials.
“Parallel weekend operations across Gauteng districts also yielded significant results: 86 arrests in Tshwane, 45 in West Rand, 29 in Sedibeng, and 22 in Ekurhuleni.”
Mthombeni praised detectives and operational teams for their relentless efforts, saying the coordinated approach was crucial in tracking fugitives and disrupting criminal networks.
Cellphone leads cops to victim and arrest of 5 suspects
Police rescue kidnapped man
CRIME SCENE: Johannesburg, Gauteng: The police have rescued a kidnapped man unharmed and arrested five suspects in a major breakthrough against kidnappings.
The 38‑year‑old victim was allegedly abducted on 30 August 2026 in the Johannesburg CBD, with his captors demanding a ransom of two million dollars for his release, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS)
A multidisciplinary team — including Johannesburg Central detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Anti‑Kidnapping Team, the Flying Squad, and private security companies — launched an intelligence‑driven investigation to track down the perpetrators and locate the victim.
“On Sunday, 4 October 2026, the operation led to the arrest of three men found in possession of the cellphone allegedly used to contact the victim’s family with ransom demands.
Further investigation directed officers to a plot in Randfontein, where the kidnapped man was discovered and safely rescued. Two additional suspects were arrested at the premises.
“All five suspects are expected to face charges of kidnapping and extortion,” said SAPS who confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.