Soweto:Police have arrested more than 670 suspects in Gauteng for serious and violent crimes as part of Operation Shanela II, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

According to South African Government News Agency, the suspects were wanted for various crimes, including murder, armed robbery, rape, fraud, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, housebreaking, and theft. These arrests were made during the first phase of the operation, focusing on tracing wanted individuals.

The suspects are expected to appear in different Magistrate's Courts soon. In addition to these arrests, police detained 14 people during a roadblock in Protea, Soweto. The operation aimed at intercepting illegal goods and substances transported by road users, and also sought stolen or hijacked vehicles and contraband.

During the roadblock, 14 individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Nine people were taken into custody for drug possession, and 13 illegal immigrants were handed over to Immigration officials from the Department of Home Affairs for processing.

Elsewhere, weekend operations in other districts led to additional arrests, with 86 people apprehended in Tshwane District, 45 in the West Rand District, 29 in Sedibeng District, and 22 in Ekurhuleni District.

Mthombeni praised the detectives and operational teams for their dedication in tracking down wanted suspects and disrupting criminal activities through intelligence-driven and integrated policing operations.