Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed staggering statistics regarding the efforts of the South African Police Service to combat crime in the Western Cape. At a media briefing on Tuesday, Cele provided an update on Operation Shanela, which was officially launched in the Western Cape in August.
Since April, a total of 155,000 suspects have been arrested throughout the country for serious crimes such as murder, rape, robberies, and hijacking. Of these arrests, thousands were made in the Western Cape alone. Furthermore, the police have successfully seized 1,365 firearms, effectively removing them from the streets of the province.
Cele particularly emphasized the issue of kidnapping, which has been a cause for concern, especially in Cape Town. He revealed that 13 incidents of kidnapping for ransom have been reported from April to date. However, the police have made significant progress in addressing this issue, with the arrest of 28 suspects leading to the resolution of seven cases. In addition, they have recovered three vehicles and secured life imprisonment for two individuals convicted of kidnapping.
The minister also highlighted that 278 suspects in the Western Cape are currently behind bars or awaiting trial for alleged kidnappings. Additionally, more than 6,000 perpetrators of violent and dangerous assault have been arrested, while 798 suspects have been apprehended for aggravated robberies since April. These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted police operations in curbing criminal activities within the province.
Moreover, the diligent efforts of the police have resulted in the seizure of drugs, vehicles, firearms, and counterfeit goods worth a combined value of R140 million ($9.3 million) since April. This highlights the comprehensive nature of Operation Shanela, as it not only addresses violent crimes but also tackles other illegal activities that pose a threat to public safety.
With these significant achievements, Cele assured the public that Operation Shanela will continue, and the police will intensify their crime prevention measures in the Western Cape. By prioritizing the safety and security of the residents, the police aim to create an environment conducive to social and economic development.
