Over 600k arrests since start of Operation Shanela

It briefed the media on the success achieved by Operation Shanela over the past year. 

Operation Shanela was launched in May last year in an effort to fight crime in high-density areas. 

Members of the SAPS have conducted over 71-thousand operations to date.

Major General Mashadi Selepe said over 49,000 explosives were seized, and a total of 89,000 rounds of live ammunition were recovered during operations.

"In terms of the arrests, you will see we had a total 616 423 arrests. Just to give you a few breakdowns of those- we have had arrests under your contravention of firearms which is 3 418. 

"We also recovered 228,488 abalone, and for alcoholic beverages, we had a total of close to 1,792.

Selepe said more than R5 million in cash had been seized, while more than 17,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 

“Theft out of motor vehicles, we had 2,323, and we also had a total of 183 arrests for human trafficking.”

At the same time, Police Minister Bheki Cele lauded members of the community for working with the police to curb crime.  

"The role of active citizen participation in the prevention and combating of crime continues to gain momentum.

"Community Policing Forum, community patrollers and private security have been very active in the support and are playing a crucial role in the overall success of Operation Shanela," he said.

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