Latest news with #OperationShanela
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Brooklyn suffers nation's most vehicle thefts
Brooklyn Police Station continues to lead the country in motor vehicle and motorcycle theft, even as national statistics show an overall decline in these crimes. According to the latest quarterly crime stats released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on May 23, the station remains among the top 30 nationally for serious crimes and firmly at number one for reported vehicle theft. Fourth quarter (January to March) data of the 2024/25 financial year reveals that Brooklyn remains under severe pressure, despite certain improvements in other crime categories. Ward councillor Shaun Wilkinson acknowledged the area's unique challenges, saying that high student activity and nightlife are contributing factors. 'There are many issues in Brooklyn,' he said. 'Students are often targeted. They might be looking for drugs and end up being robbed.' He said, however, the robberies get reported and not the drug use. Wilkinson also explained that many crimes reported in Brooklyn actually take place in neighbouring areas like Sunnyside but are reported in Brooklyn for convenience or for insurance purposes. 'Students and others often park in unsafe areas like Mandela Boulevard, making themselves vulnerable to smash-and-grabs.' The station serves 28 suburbs, including Hatfield, Waterkloof, Menlo Park, Hazelwood, and Lynnwood North. Its jurisdiction includes student residences, bars, clubs, universities, shopping centres and diplomatic offices – factors that contribute to its high crime load. Among Pretoria east's six police stations, Brooklyn remains the most affected by crime, currently ranking: – 5th nationally for property-related crimes – 6th for commercial crimes – 8th for common robbery – 9th for serious crimes overall – 10th for theft not otherwise specified – 20th for burglaries at non-residential premises – 23rd for community-reported crimes Despite these numbers, Brooklyn has seen progress in other areas. The latest quarter showed a 13-case decline in burglaries at non-residential premises and no reported cases of attempted sexual offences, murder, arson, stock theft or cash-in-transit heists. Theft from motor vehicles dropped by 21%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 40.7%. Tshwane's district commissioner, Major-General Samuel Thine, said Brooklyn's challenges stem from its geography and density. 'The precinct includes malls, universities, diplomatic sites, and nightlife venues, making it a high-risk area for property crime and robbery,' he explained. He acknowledged Brooklyn's history of topping crime stats but noted a 6.2% drop in community-reported property and contact crimes. 'We now rank 25th nationally and 7th in Gauteng,' said Thine. To curb crime, Thine said the station is partnering with private security firms, Crime Intelligence, the SAPS Vehicle Theft Unit, and local law enforcement in various operations. He added that the operations include high-density patrols, Operation Shanela, and FLASH initiatives targeting nightlife venues. 'The reactivation of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and business forums is also aimed at improving co-operation between the police and residents.' Allegations of corruption have also surfaced against the Brooklyn police station commander. However, Thine confirmed that no formal cases have been opened and no investigations are currently underway. 'To date, nothing has been reported and no official cases have been registered for investigation,' he said. Thine urged members of the public to come forward with credible information and to make use of official reporting channels. He assured that all reports would be treated with strict confidentiality. 'Community support is critical. Residents must report crime and provide information, especially about suspicious or corrupt activity,' he said. Reports can be submitted anonymously through 0800 10111 or the MySAPS app. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
Eyewitness News
5 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Vrygrond ward councillor says gun violence has reached crisis point in the area
CAPE TOWN - A ward councillor in Vrygrond near Muizenberg, in Cape Town, says gun violence in the area has reached a crisis point. On Thursday, councillor Mandy Marr addressed a crime Imbizo in Vrygrond, a suburb gripped by deadly gun violence in recent weeks The imbizo is aimed at building trust and strengthening partnerships between the community and the police, thereby combatting crime. Western Cape police top brass is visiting Vrygrond to hear directly from community members how gun violence has turned their lives upside down. ALSO READ: Some CT communities described as war zones following spike in gun violence The community and police engagement in Vrygrond on Thursday comes just days after a police officer was shot and killed outside his home in broad daylight. The surge in violence has been attributed to an extortion related war between local taxi associations and the Junky Funky Kids Gang operating in the area. Marr says the violence is out of control and has called for more help from the police. 'We want to know what SAPS [South African Police Service] is doing in our gang-ravaged community at the moment, where extortion has never been like this before in Vrygrond, it's never been like this before.' Police officers attached to Operation Shanela have been deployed to the area to clamp down on crime.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
117 suspects arrested during weekend's Operation Shanela in Sedibeng
SEDIBENG.- The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sedibeng conducted a high-impact, crime-combating operation with the execution of Operation Shanela, focusing on the Sebokeng policing precinct last weekend. The operation was led by the Acting District Commissioner of Sedibeng, Brigadier Mashole Manamela, and supported by various crime-combatting stakeholders. Police spokesperson, Nthabisng Mokhachane, said that the concerted efforts of all participating units yielded significant results, culminating in the arrest of a hundred seventeen (117) suspects for criminal offenses ranging from murder, armed robbery, rape and hijacking amongst other crimes. Prior to the day of the weekend Operation Shanela, detectives from across the Sedibeng District were instrumental in securing ninety-seven mentioned arrests, which included suspects linked to gender-based violence-related cases, Mokhachane said. 'Maintaining a strong focus on visible policing, the operation included intensified deployments to enforce liquor compliance regulations, trace wanted suspects, and execute law enforcement patrols in known hotspots,' she added. A strategically placed roadblock in Moshoeshoe Street Sebokeng, reinforced operational teams deployed across Sedibeng, resulted in the detention of undocumented foreign nationals, who are currently undergoing processing for court proceedings and deportation. Brigadier Manamela gave an overview of the various responsibilities carried out by SAPS during major operations such as Operation Shanela and to assured the community members of police visibility. He also extended his sincere appreciation to all involved stakeholders and SAPS members for their professionalism, and unwavering commitment to restoring safety and upholding the rule of law across Sedibeng District. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Over 330 arrested in Gauteng during joint high-density operations
Over 330 arrested in Gauteng during joint high-density operations The Gauteng Traffic Police and Traffic Wardens, the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies arrested over 330 people in joint high-density operations across Gauteng on May 30 and June 1. The CoE recorded 69 arrests in areas including Etwatwa, Tembisa, Benoni, Springs, Boksburg, Tokoza, Dunnotar, Norkem Park, Duduza, Primrose and Zonkizizwe. Among the arrests, 15 were for drinking and driving, 14 for drug possession and five for selling liquor without a licence. The entities searched 944 individuals and 416 vehicles. High-density operations in the CoT saw 96 arrests in areas including Mabopane, Akasia, Mamelodi, Sunnyside and Olievenhoutbosch. ALSO CHECK: Gauteng Health gets R100m lifeline to restore critical hospital services In the Sedibeng Municipality, officers apprehended 80 people in operations in Sebokeng, Orange Farm, Evaton, Vanderbijlpark, Boipatong, and the Barrage. Meanwhile, in the West Rand Municipality, 67 arrests were made in Mohlakeng and Westonaria as part of ongoing enforcement activities, including Operation Shanela. The Department of Community Safety (DCS) commended law enforcement officials for their continued collaboration and commitment to making these arrests. 'Drinking and driving, public drinking, possession of drugs and dealing in drugs are a sore thorn that officials are continuously dealing with decisively,' said Gauteng DCS spokesperson Ofentse Morwane. ALSO CHECK: Youth Day sports event aims to tackle crime through fun and fitness At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
29-05-2025
- The Citizen
Massive police operation swept Vanderbijlpark streets
VANDERBIJLPARK – A busy two-day sting operation saw Vanderbijlpark streets swept squeaky clean of crime. This comes after the Sedibeng Cluster Police flooded the civic centre and neighbouring townships with flashing blue lights during Operation Shanela. The operation resulted in the arrest of a total of 153 suspects, the issuance of 42 traffic fines to motorists for various violations, penalties for two second-hand goods dealers with J534 notices for non-compliance, the seizure of drugs, and the confiscation of illegal cigarettes. Held on May 21 and 22, the operation saw men and women in blue team up with detectives, traffic officers, and other law enforcement units to bring a heavy hand down on criminal activity. Sedibeng police spokesperson Sergeant Thembeka Maxambela confirmed detectives made 110 arrests. 'The social crime prevention campaign saw our officers sweep through Suiderlig High School, searching for dangerous weapons and illegal substances. A total of 1 200 learners were screened, and no serious threats were identified,' she said. Maxambela added that later in the morning, the civic centre saw an unexpected yet welcome event as Brigadier Manamela and top SAPS brass hosted a public engagement session. 'Business owners and community members gathered to raise concerns and discuss strategies to curb crime, particularly around the CBD and surrounding hotspots,' she said. According to Maxambela, the Social Crime Prevention, supported by the CPF and traffic wardens, conducted an awareness campaign at the local taxi rank. 'More than 200 informative pamphlets were distributed focusing on how to report gender-based violence, contact information for Vanderbijlpark SAPS management, and also how to report poor police service delivery.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
