SAPS Arrests 12,892 in Operation Shanela Sweep Targeting Serious Crimes

At OR Tambo International Airport, two suspected drug mules—a Brazilian man and a South African woman—were arrested after arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified its nationwide efforts to combat crime through Operation Shanela, resulting in the arrest of 12,892 suspects during a single week-long period from 17 to 23 March 2025. This bold and strategic initiative has demonstrated the government’s resolve to uphold law and order by targeting various serious and violent crimes across the country.

According to a statement released by SAPS this week, Operation Shanela involved an integrated approach that included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-search operations, tracking of wanted suspects, and tactical raids. These coordinated efforts spanned all nine provinces, with particular focus in crime hotspots.

Key Arrests and Offences

The breakdown of arrests reveals the scope and intensity of the operation:

• 167 suspects were arrested for murder, with the highest numbers recorded in KwaZulu-Natal (45) and the Western Cape (42)—two provinces historically affected by high murder rates due to gang-related violence and community unrest.

• 123 individuals were apprehended for attempted murder, reflecting ongoing efforts to address violent assaults and gun-related crime.

• 1,753 suspects on the police’s wanted list were successfully tracked and arrested during tracing operations.

• 203 drug dealers were arrested in targeted crackdowns, many of them operating in known drug trafficking zones.

• 1,507 people were arrested for possession of drugs, with a staggering 689 of these in the Western Cape alone, indicating a continued crisis of drug abuse and distribution in the province.

• 115 suspects were arrested for the possession of illegal firearms, an area of growing concern amid escalating gun violence.

• 10 individuals were arrested in connection with human trafficking, a crime that continues to affect vulnerable communities and undocumented foreign nationals.

• 432 motorists were caught and detained for driving under the influence of alcohol, as part of weekend traffic safety operations.

Weapons, Ammunition, and Vehicle Recoveries

SAPS officers also made significant strides in disarming criminals and recovering stolen property. A total of:

• 119 illegal firearms were confiscated, including pistols, rifles, and homemade weapons.

• 1,335 rounds of ammunition were seized during raids, often hidden in homes or vehicles.

• 76 hijacked or stolen vehicles were recovered, many of which were likely destined for cross-border smuggling or stripped for parts.

International and Border Crime Tackled

Police also targeted smuggling operations and drug trafficking networks. In Limpopo, the Anti-Smuggling Unit intercepted a truck on the N11 highway near Mahwelereng, leading to the arrest of 20 Ethiopian nationals who were allegedly smuggled into South Africa without documentation. Investigations are ongoing to trace the syndicate behind the illegal transport.

At OR Tambo International Airport, two suspected drug mules—a Brazilian man and a South African woman—were arrested after arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil. Authorities discovered cocaine worth over R1 million hidden in their luggage. These arrests bring the total number of similar drug trafficking arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.

SAPS Statement and Ongoing Efforts

SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety and reducing criminal activity nationwide. “Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country,” the statement read.

Police emphasized that these operations are ongoing and form part of a broader national strategy to assert the authority of the state, dismantle criminal networks, and create safer environments for all residents and visitors.

Community Involvement Encouraged

Authorities are urging communities to play an active role in supporting police efforts by reporting suspicious activities and offering information that may lead to further arrests. Anonymous tip-offs can be made through the Crime Stop hotline or SAPS mobile app.

With Operation Shanela continuing to make waves, SAPS says the message is clear: criminals will find no safe haven, and law enforcement will remain relentless in the pursuit of justice.