SAPS high-density Shanela operations yield multi-provincial crime combatting successes 15 627 suspects arrested for serious crimes including murders
The South African Police Service continues to implement its high-density crime prevention and combatting action plan, which saw intensified operations conducted nationally between 7 and 13 July 2025 led to the arrests of 15 627. These interventions, guided by crime intelligence, yielded major successes across provinces.
SAPS efforts nationwide under high-density operations resulted in:
- 2 624 wanted individuals linked to serious and violent crimes (murder, attempted murder, rape, robbery)
- 141 suspects for murder - KZN recorded the highest with 38, followed by the Eastern Cape 28
- 158 for attempted murder
- 122 for rape, with Free Sate leading at 28 arrests, followed by Gauteng with 26
- 1 680 for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
- 317 drug dealers arrested during this period
- 2 073 for drug possession, most in Western Cape with 7 55, followed by KZN with 457
- 122 for illegal possession of firearms, with 40 from Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal with 35
- 689 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – GP 198 and MP 146.
Confiscated items include:
- 131 firearms.
- 2 014 rounds of ammunition.
- 66 hijacked or stolen vehicles and recoveries.
- 940 abalone seized across Western and Eastern Cape.
- 24 914 liters of alcohol confiscated, primarily from Gauteng.
- Contraband goods valued at R93 250 seized in the Western Cape.
- 816 dangerous weapons, including knives and other implements, removed from the streets.
Major incidents and breakthroughs:
Gauteng: Fatal Shootout and Kidnapping Rescue
- On 13 July, a multidisciplinary SAPS team intercepted four suspects in Riverlea linked to a Johannesburg Central business robbery. The suspects opened fire on members, resulting in a fatal shootout. All four suspects died on scene, and two unlicensed firearms and stolen goods were recovered.
- On 10 July, the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team rescued a 60-year-old businessman kidnapped from Lenasia on 29 May. Intelligence led police to Randfontein, where a shootout occurred. Two suspects were fatally wounded and three arrested. A ransom of R15 million had been demanded.
Eastern Cape: Firearms, Murder-for-Insurance Plot, Kidnapping
- On 6 July, four males (aged 20–59) were arrested in Flagstaff with an AK-47 and 9mm pistol en route to a planned robbery.
- On 7 July in Bityi, three suspects (aged 22–26) were arrested with a Dashprod rifle, two pistols, and ammunition; all firearms had erased serial numbers.
- A murder investigation into the death of 26-year-old Siwaphiwe Bushula led to nine arrests in Welkom. The deceased’s uncle is alleged to have orchestrated the crime for insurance fraud.
- In Qumbu, two suspects were arrested for kidnapping and murder after a 22-year-old victim was found deceased with bound limbs on 10 July 2025. A second victim had previously been located alive but injured.
- Western Cape: R54 Million Drug Seizure
- On 13 July, Operation Restore members discovered 6 kg of heroin, 100 g heroin, and later uncovered 145 kg of Tik and 16 kg heroin hidden in the roof of a Goodwood residence. The total drug value was R54.3 million. Two foreign nationals aged 28 and 32 were arrested.
General Fannie Masemola has said that "the operational gains achieved in this reporting period underscore the SAPS’s sustained commitment to combatting serious and violent crime through intelligence-led policing. We remain resolute in our mission to protect all who live in our country and to pursue those who undermine the safety and security of our communities. I commend the bravery, vigilance, and professionalism displayed by our men and women in blue during these operations."
Enquiries:
Lt Colonel Vincent Mukhathi
Cell: 071 4612 1516
