Gauteng police arrested 796 wanted suspects during a province-wide operation over the weekend, including 163 people linked to crimes against women and children.

The arrests formed part of Operation Shanela II, which saw a total of 1 118 suspects detained across all five districts for various serious crimes.

Tshwane district commissioner Major General Samuel Thine led the high-density operation in the Akasia policing precinct, where police arrested 23 suspects for drunk driving, 60 illegal immigrants, one suspect for dealing in drugs, and nine for possession of drugs.

A further nine suspects were arrested for selling liquor without a licence, while 15 individuals were detained for drinking in public. Nine liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance.

The operation was conducted through a collaborative effort involving SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, traffic law enforcement agencies, Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, community policing forums and private security companies.

Gauteng police said they remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents through ongoing crime prevention operations aimed at reducing crime and maintaining law and order across the province.

Operation Shanela II is an ongoing police-led operation conducted with other government agencies.