Operation Shanela nabs over 700 suspects

Posted on October 13, 2025October 14, 2025 by

Operation Shanela 2 efforts have led to the arrest of 777 suspects across various parts of Gauteng, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection (also acting as Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing), Major General Mbuso Khumalo, led law enforcement agencies as they embarked on the weekend's operations.

“These suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes that include murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery, rape and sexual assault,” Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said.

Operation Shanela 2 was conducted across all five districts in the province from 10 - 12 October 2025, where 255 wanted suspects were arrested in the Tshwane District and 196 suspects were arrested in the Johannesburg District.

Ekurhuleni saw 137 wanted suspects being arrested, while 186 suspects were arrested in Sedibeng and West Rand Districts. A further 265 suspects were arrested as police embarked on roadblocks, stop-and-searches, as well as compliance checks on liquor outlets.

“The arrested suspects will appear before different magistrate courts in Gauteng in due course,” said the police.

SARS seizes R65 million narcotics at Durban Harbour

Posted on October 13, 2025October 14, 2025 by

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has made a narcotics bust worth an estimated R65 million during a collaborative intelligence operation led at the Durban Harbour on Sunday morning.

Thirty bricks of suspected narcotics were seized during the operation that were stashed in the reefer refrigeration unit of a vessel.

“On [Sunday morning] Durban Customs Enforcement Team Launched the Customs Marine Unit Patrol Vessel – Striker to go and intercept the Motor Vessel near the Fairway Bouy at Outer Anchorage about 4 Nautical Miles of the East Coast of the Durban.

“The enforcement team intercepted the vessel as it was entering the port and escorted the vessel to its berth. The enforcement team boarded the vessel, interviewed the Master of the Vessel, and examined documentation to identify the location of a profiled container.

“The vessel was rummaged by the enforcement team, and the container was located on the vessel where the refrigeration unit was examined. This resulted in one positive detection of bricks of suspected narcotics,” SARS said in a statement.

SARS Commissioner, Edward Kieswetter, commended the teams for the successful bust.

“Customs demonstrated its gallantry by working so hard and focussed at the death of the night to intercept this vessel.

“This speaks to an unwavering commitment by SARS to protect our borders and keep at bay all criminals that are bent on shipping harmful substance that cause unmitigated suffering for our inhabitants,” Kieswetter said.

Basic Education condemns misinformation on reopening of schools

Posted on October 13, 2025October 13, 2025 by

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has condemned the fake news suggesting changes to the reopening of public schools on Monday, 13 October 2025.

“The Department of Basic Education notes with concern the circulation of fake news on social media and other unofficial platforms suggesting changes to the reopening dates of schools for the fourth term. The department wishes to clarify unequivocally that these messages are false and misleading.

“All public schools across South Africa will reopen as scheduled on Monday, 13 October 2025, marking the beginning of the fourth and final academic term of the school calendar,” said the DBE in a statement on Saturday.

The department condemned the deliberate spread of misinformation, which creates unnecessary panic and confusion among parents and learners.

“Education is a shared national responsibility. False information disrupts schools, confuses parents, and undermines the hard work of our teachers and learners. We appeal to every South African to be vigilant, to verify before sharing, and to help us protect the academic calendar and the upcoming National Senior Certificate examinations,” said Minister Siviwe Gwarube.

The department urged the public to rely only on official DBE communication channels including its website (www.education.gov.za), verified social media pages, and provincial education departments for credible and verified updates.

The department said that as the country moves into this critical period of the school year, it extends heartfelt appreciation to parents, teachers, learners and school management teams who continue to uphold the values of commitment, resilience, and discipline that define our education sector.

Final stretch

With just days remaining before the commencement of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations on 21 October 2025, the department called upon all learners particularly the Class of 2025 to stay focused and make the most of the support provided through revision materials, radio lessons, catch-up sessions, and school-based study camps.

The department said it remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a smooth conclusion to the 2025 academic year. From infrastructure readiness and learner support materials to psychosocial assistance and teacher preparation, all systems are in place to ensure that teaching and learning resume seamlessly on Monday, 13 October 2025.