A crime prevention outreach was held in Mthatha this week, led by the Minister of Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi, this outreach entailed community engagement, visiting schools, conducting raids at liquor outlets, conducting stop-and-searches, roadblocks, as well as conducting parolee compliance inspections.
“On Friday, 19 September 2025, the cluster held operations led by various government departments, including SAPS, Department of Correctional Services, Department of Home Affairs, and Municipal Traffic Services in the area, which were successful.
The operations saw 56 wanted suspects tracked down and arrested for serious and violent crimes such as rape, murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. The operation also saw 45 suspects arrested for various offences and other serious crimes, 642 vehicles searched, and 687 people searched.
Mukhathi added that 75 illegal immigrants were arrested, with R35,700 worth of traffic fines issued. “Eight dangerous weapons have been seized, and one firearm has been recovered and confiscated.”
He added that among those arrested are 23 suspects apprehended for assault GBH, and two of these suspects were arrested for selling liquor without a licence.
“Through Operation Shanela II, the Eastern Cape Province has, since 01 April, confiscated 756 illegal firearms and more than 8,000 rounds of ammunition. Of this number, 181 illegal firearms and 1,804 rounds of ammunition were seized within the OR Tambo District Municipality.”
The Deputy National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, emphasised that Shanela II operations continue to register commendable progress in the fight against crime and ensure public safety, as well as stability.
“These ongoing operations focus on high visibility, stop-and-searches, and tracing of wanted suspects, resulting in thousands of arrests and seizures of firearms, drugs, and stolen property across the country,” said General Mosikili.
