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.