The SA Police Service (SAPS) has declared Operation Shanela a resounding success, with over 600 000 arrests made since its inception in 2023.
Police Minister Bheki Cele, flanked by Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, national police commissioner Fanie Masemola, and other senior officials, provided an update on the operation’s progress during a media briefing in Hatfield, Pretoria, on Monday.
Operation Shanela, characterised by high-density operations, has yielded significant results across the country.
The operation has targeted a wide array of offences, ranging from firearms violations to drug dealing, assault, burglary, and even human trafficking.
Total of 616 423 arrests made
Notably, arrests have been made for crimes as serious as murder, with thousands of perpetrators apprehended. The grand total stands at 616 423 arrests thus far.
The SAPS noted that the operation has led to substantial seizures and recoveries, including explosives, firearms, contraband goods, cash, and vehicles.
These represented a dent in the criminal underworld and a step towards dismantling illicit networks operating within the country, the police said.
With South Africa’s crime index standing at 75.4 in January, although high, it marks one of the lowest recorded since 2017, despite fluctuations between 75 and 77.
Pretoria, Durban, Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, and Cape Town emerged as the top five cities with notably high crime indexes.
Police visibility
Despite Operation Shanela’s achievements, challenges remain in South Africa’s battle against crime.
Cele highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement, including overcrowded correctional facilities and a rising number of life sentences imposed on offenders.
He further emphasised the importance of police visibility in curbing crime, citing past successes when crime rates were notably lower due to heightened police presence.
“Why are we not winning the crime [war]? Those who have been following know there were good days when crime was really down in South Africa,” Cele said.
“The ratio of visibility is doomed. I hear some people believe that the visibility of police is not a major issue; I would differ. The visibility of police is a major thing that reduces crime.”
Comprehensive government involvement
Cele also acknowledged systemic issues within the police department, such as disruptions and inadequate intelligence resources, that hinder effective crime-fighting efforts.
He called for comprehensive government involvement in tackling crime, stressing the need for collective action beyond law enforcement.
“We believe that once this department is properly reconstructed, things will be better, but it cannot be law enforcement alone.
“It should be all the government departments working together to fight crime. Police must do their work, but the government must also do better.”
