Kwa-Thema – Ekurhuleni District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Anna Sithole, led a multidisciplinary Operation Shanela in Kwa-Thema on April 16, joined by senior Kwa-Thema SAPS management and other law enforcement agencies.
The operation was aimed at reinforcing the state’s authority while supporting the local police station in its efforts to reduce crime in the area.
Speaking to the African Reporter, Sithole said the operation was prompted after identifying Kwa-Thema as one of the stations that have shown an increase in certain crimes, particularly house robberies, sexual offences, assaults and hijackings.
She explained that, as a district, they review crime statistics monthly and have a responsibility to assist stations struggling with crime.
Motorist stopped for a search during Operation Shanela. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
As a result of the operation, EMPD has issued 22 traffic fines totalling R8 500. As part of the operation, she said that their teams also conducted compliance inspections targeting drugs and illegal liquor outlets, where two illegal establishments were shut down and alcohol was confiscated.
“We arrested seven more suspects for drugs and five undocumented persons with the assistance of Home Affairs.
“We also had a breakthrough through our Trio Task Team. A suspect linked to house robberies was arrested.
“The suspect had previously been convicted and released on parole but has now been re-arrested and linked to additional cases, including malicious damage to property,” shared Sithole.
Major General Anna Sithole searches a vehicle in Kwa-Thema during Operation Shanela. Photo: Captain Neldah Sekgobela
Sithole highlighted that the operation started on April 15, during which crime intelligence gathered information from the community.
During that operation, 266 suspects were arrested who were traced from existing cases, including 134 who were arrested for contact crimes, including robberies, assaults, GBH assaults, rape and other sexual offences. She said that seven suspects were arrested for drug-related offences.
“We also arrested eight suspects for property-related crimes, such as business and house burglaries, and 40 suspects for gender-based violence, which includes domestic violence and sexual offences involving people known to each other. In addition, 57 suspects were arrested for other serious crimes,” she said.
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Sithole explained that the community has raised concerns about a lack of police visibility. She added that part of this operation is to increase visibility, so residents feel safer.
“While the roadblock may have concluded, our teams are still on the ground and will continue with operations in the area,” cited Sithole.
Sithole raised concerns that while cases are being opened, many are later withdrawn by the same complainants, adding that between January and March, 346 cases were withdrawn. She appealed to the community to ensure that if they open a case, they follow through.
“This allows the courts to do their work and ensures that offenders are held accountable. Withdrawing cases undermines the justice process and allows suspects to go free and potentially reoffend.”
EMPD officers stop vehicles during Operation Shanela. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Roads barricaded for the operation in Kwa-Thema. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Springs SAPS station commander Brigadier Raymond Buthelezi, MMC for Corporate Shared Services Siphumele Ntombela and ward councillor Thulani Simelane. Photo: Captain Neldah Sekgobela
The multidisciplinary operation aimed to tackle lawlessness in the area. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
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