Operation Shanela II delivers major crime-fighting gains in the Free State

Operation Shanela II delivers major crime-fighting gains in the Free State

July 31, 2025 • News, Traffic

Operation Shanela II continues to make important progress toward combating crime across the Free State. Since the launch of Operation Shanela II on 1 April 2025, police have intensified efforts through intelligence-led operations, resulting in thousands of arrests and the recovery of illicit goods and contraband.

From 23 June to 27 July 2025, over 6349 suspects were arrested across the province. Of these, 1,392 individuals were linked to serious and violent crimes, including 52 for murder, 71 for attempted murder, 91 for rape, 608 for assault GBH, 56 for illegal firearm possession, 237 for possession of dangerous weapons, and 91 for drug dealing.

Key operational tactics included high-visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop-and-searches and tracing of wanted suspects.

Significant successes in this period, to mention a few:

Welkom (10 July 2025): A collaborative operation between the Welkom K9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, and SARS Customs led to the confiscation of counterfeit tobacco and medicine products worth over R725,000 from three foreign-owned businesses.

Marquard (17 July 2025): A 58-year-old suspect, Thabo Daniel Sehloho, was arrested at his Moemaneng home for possession of a revolver, ammunition, and suspected drugs, including mandrax and crystal meth.

Bohlokong (18 July 2025): A 46-year-old foreign national was arrested outside Bohlokong after being found in possession of 10 kg of khat (estimated street value of R3.2 million) following a high-speed pursuit by the Bethlehem K9 Unit.

Zastron (Last weekend): Within hours of a business robbery at a local petrol station, police arrested a 31-year-old foreign national and recovered three unlicensed firearms and stolen goods. Ballistics will determine if the firearms were used in other crimes.

Seizures during the operations include various drugs (dagga, nyaope, crystal meth, and cocaine), 29 firearms, 350 rounds of ammunition, 24 vehicles, 744 kg of precious metals, 37 cellphones, cash, liquor, and copper cable.

In this period, 3,234 premises and 138,411 people were searched, 50,457 vehicles were searched, 6,665 stop-and-search actions were conducted, 1,145 vehicle checkpoints and 73 roadblocks were held, 1,561 suspect tracing operations were conducted, 247 scrapyards were visited, 3,837 licensed liquor outlets were visited, 83 illegally operating outlets were closed, and 675 informal businesses were visited. During these visits 36 fines were issued to secondhand dealers for noncompliance. To enhance rural safety, police and other stakeholders visited 15,316 farms. For compliance purposes, 31 public gatherings were policed in line with SASREA regulations.

The comprehensive efforts not only aimed to ensure public safety but also fostered a sense of community trust in law enforcement. Moving forward, ongoing collaboration with local organizations will be crucial to address any emerging issues and promote a safer environment for all residents.

Operation Shanela II delivers major crime-fighting gains in the Free Statehttps://t.co/JGYeyK1ZDj #ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/UCOdpdVZ2B

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 31, 2025