Cape town: Over 17,000 suspects have been arrested across the country, with 79 unlicensed firearms confiscated from 13 to 19 October 2025. ‘These crime-fighting initiatives and successes are attributed to intelligence-led takedowns, high-visibility patrols and strategic interventions across multiple provinces,’ the police said on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the police’s Operation Shanela has also secured the arrest of 2,124 most wanted suspects linked to heinous crimes, including murder, rape, car hijackings, and armed robberies. Key arrests include 117 suspects for murder, with KwaZulu-Natal recording the highest arrests (40), followed by Gauteng (27). Additionally, 125 attempted murder suspects were apprehended across the country. In terms of sexual offenses, 233 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in KwaZulu-Natal with 119.
Furthermore, 322 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, with significant numbers in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Northern Cape. A large-scale operation led to the arrest of 1,615 individuals for possession of drugs, with KwaZulu-Natal leading with 418 arrests, followed by Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape. The police also arrested 141 suspects for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms and 760 individuals for driving under the influence across various provinces.
Major seizures and recoveries during the operation included 1,275 rounds of ammunition and 25,169 litres of alcohol, with a significant portion seized in the Northern Cape. Contraband worth more than R7.2 million was confiscated, disrupting illicit trade networks. Additionally, 74 stolen vehicles, ranging from sedans to trucks and motorcycles, were recovered.
The operation saw several highlights in takedowns across provinces. In Gauteng, police arrested a suspected illegal miner in Magaliesburg, seizing two AK-47 rifles and ammunition. The Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, in collaboration with brand protectors, confiscated counterfeit items worth R8,367,200. In Limpopo, a suspect linked to business robberies was arrested, and firearms were seized during a shootout in Tzaneen. In the Western Cape, an anti-gang operation in Langebaan led to the arrest of an Algerian national and the seizure of multiple firearms.
In the Free State, police intercepted a vehicle carrying Broncleer cough syrup and arrested three suspects. In KwaZulu-Natal, a suspect wanted for murder was killed in a shootout with police, and two suspected armed robbers were killed in a separate incident in Durban.
The police emphasized the impact of Operation Shanela as the festive season approaches, warning potential criminals against engaging in illegal activities. ‘These arrests send a stark warning to prospective criminals: do not even consider engaging in any form of criminal activity. As the festive season rapidly approaches, these operations will be conducted with intensified force and precision,’ said National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.