“Operation Shanela: A Pillar of Security During the Holiday Season”

Operation Shanela is a program launched by the South African Police Service to ensure safety and tranquility during the holiday season. The initiative has led to the capture of 583 suspects accused of a variety of criminal acts, including drug possession, assault, break-ins, and DUI. The operation’s success highlights the SAPS’s dedication to restraining crime and preserving safety. The program targets drug trade, undocumented foreign nationals, and illegal alcohol, among others, and is led by Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena.

What is Operation Shanela and how effective is it in preventing crime during the holiday season?

Operation Shanela is a yearly crime prevention program launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS) aimed at ensuring safety and tranquility during the holiday season. In just seven days, this initiative has proven its robust effectiveness, leading to the capture of 583 suspects accused of a variety of criminal acts, including drug possession, assault, break-ins, and driving under the influence of alcohol. The operation’s success highlights the SAPS’s staunch dedication to restraining crime and preserving safety.

Ensuring Tranquility and Safety

As the joyous holiday spirit permeates throughout the North West province of South Africa, an atmosphere of calm prevails. A vivid portrayal of alertness unfolds as the South African Police Service (SAPS) launches its yearly crime prevention program, “Operation Shanela”, a vital tool for keeping the holiday season peaceful and secure.

In a span of just seven days from November 6-12, 2023, this initiative has proven its robust effectiveness. This year’s operation led to the capture of 583 suspects accused of a variety of criminal acts. The assortment of crimes tackled included drug possession, assault with intent to cause serious injury, homicide, break-ins, and driving under the influence of alcohol, emphasizing the wide range of criminal activities being confronted.

Targeting the Illicit Drug Trade and Undocumented Foreign Nationals

The operation paid considerable focus to the illegal drug industry, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals for drug possession and an additional 14 for drug trafficking. The vigilant officers of the SAPS also detained a significant number of people – exactly 78 – on suspicion of being undocumented foreign nationals. These individuals now await further investigation by Immigration Officials.

However, the operation’s scope was not restricted to people alone. An impressive array of locations and vehicles – precisely 26 buildings and 1,199 vehicles – were subjected to rigorous police inspection. The success of the operation is further amplified by the shutdown of 26 unlicensed liquor outlets and the comprehensive inspection of 89 licensed ones. This endeavor led to the confiscation of illegal alcohol, an assortment of drugs, and seven dangerous weapons.

High Impact Operations in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District and Stilfontein

A remarkable operation was carried out in Rustenburg, in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District, where the joint forces of the Rustenburg Flying Squad, Visible Policing, and the K9 Unit resulted in the arrest of five individuals. These suspects, arrested on November 10, 2023, were found in illegal possession of four firearms and ammunition. The local authorities are currently investigating potential ties between these suspects and business crimes committed locally.

Simultaneously, the operation targeted illicit miners in Stilfontein at Harties Shaft No.5. Here, 14 miners, including nine Lesotho nationals and five from Mozambique, were arrested for possession of materials containing gold. All these suspects will soon face prosecution under the Immigration Act, 2002.

The Driving Force Behind the Operation

The dynamic force behind this comprehensive operation is the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena. He expressed heartfelt appreciation for all the members who worked persistently to enhance police visibility, thereby ensuring safety during the holiday period. His recognition of their collective efforts mirrors the communal spirit of the SAPS in their continuous fight against crime.

The triumph of Operation Shanela bears witness to the SAPS’s staunch dedication to restraining crime and preserving safety. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite the holiday season being a time for celebration, the vigilance of our law enforcement agencies remains unbroken. Their significant contributions and relentless efforts reverberate throughout the province, infusing a sense of security that reverberates with every citizen, truly making the holiday season safer for everyone.

1. What is Operation Shanela?

Operation Shanela is a yearly crime prevention program launched by the South African Police Service (SAPS) aimed at ensuring safety and tranquility during the holiday season.

2. How effective is Operation Shanela in preventing crime during the holiday season?

In just seven days, this initiative has proven its robust effectiveness, leading to the capture of 583 suspects accused of a variety of criminal acts, including drug possession, assault, break-ins, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

3. What crimes does Operation Shanela target?

Operation Shanela targets drug trade, undocumented foreign nationals, and illegal alcohol, among others.

4. How many people were arrested for drug possession and drug trafficking during Operation Shanela?

Eight individuals were arrested for drug possession and an additional 14 for drug trafficking.

5. Who led Operation Shanela?

Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena led Operation Shanela.

6. What was the significance of the operation in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District and Stilfontein?

The operation led to the arrest of five individuals involved in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Bojanala Platinum Sub-District and the arrest of 14 miners in Stilfontein for possession of materials containing gold.