(IMAGE IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES)
A nationwide policing push has resulted in 20,211 arrests, including 275 alleged sexual offenders, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) steps up high-density operations targeting serious and violent crime.
The arrests were recorded during the latest SHANELA II operations, which were carried out across the country in partnership with other law enforcement agencies and government departments.
In a Facebook update, SAPS said the latest operation formed part of its continued efforts to prevent and combat serious and violent crime.
Among those arrested were 90 people wanted for rape, who were traced and apprehended in different parts of the country.
The police service said the arrests were also part of its efforts to address gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), particularly by pursuing suspects accused of offences against women, children and other vulnerable people.
Illegal liquor outlets targeted
The operation extended beyond arrests, with police and partner agencies carrying out compliance inspections aimed at businesses and activities linked to unlawful conduct.
Those inspections led to the closure of 484 unlicensed liquor outlets, according to SAPS.
The latest figures also show that the operation targeted the illegal possession of firearms, with 153 unlicensed firearms seized during the week-long policing activity.
Focus on wanted suspects
Among the figures, the arrests of alleged sexual offenders remain a key component of the operation.
SAPS said the 275 alleged sexual offenders arrested included suspects who were wanted in connection with sexual offences, with the 90 rape suspects traced in different parts of the country.
The arrests do not constitute convictions, and those taken into custody will face the relevant legal processes.
SAPS described the results as evidence of its continued commitment to pursuing people it says pose a threat to the safety and security of vulnerable members of society.
The latest SHANELA II figures provide a snapshot of the scale of policing operations being conducted across South Africa, with arrests, business compliance inspections and firearm seizures forming part of the same crime-prevention effort.
SAPS said it will continue working with other law enforcement agencies and government departments as the high-density operations continue.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Hout Bay lobster operation leads to 1 800 lobster tails seized
Picture: Getty Images
