PARKTOWN - The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, led a high-density Operation Shanela II across the province. The operation, which commenced on Saturday, 04 October 2025, resulted in the arrest of over 1500 suspects involved in various serious crimes across all districts, with the detectives arresting 1261 wanted suspects with 177 arrests related to crimes against women and children.
During a roadblock at Bekkersdal and Westonaria where Lieutenant General Mthombeni led from the front, arrests were made, including 24 drunk and driving 27 illegal immigrants apprehended, four arrested for dealing in drugs, eight arrested for illicit mining, one suspect arrested for possession of gold bearing material and four liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with the regulations.
The operation was a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Gauteng Traffic Police, all Metropolitan Police Departments, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum, and private security companies. The Gauteng Police remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and will continue to conduct operations to reduce crime.