Over 23 000 suspects were arrested for various offences nationwide, as the South African Police Service (SAPS) continued to carry out Operation Shanela.
In operations conducted between 29 June and 5 July, 23 011 suspects were nabbed.
Detectives further arrested 2 391 wanted suspects, linked to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, illegal possession of firearms, carjacking, possession of drugs, house and business robberies.
Among the arrests effected across the provinces include the arrest of 127 individuals for murder, 179 for rape and 143 suspects for attempted murder.
“As part of the intensified crackdown on illegal immigration and related criminal activities, the SAPS arrested 6 807 illegal migrants across multiple provinces for contravening the Immigration Act,” said the SAPS in a statement on Monday.
The police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies, remain on high alert to safeguard communities and property during ongoing anti-illegal immigration protests across the country.
“While recognising the constitutional right of citizens to protest, participants are urged to conduct themselves within the ambit of the law. Citizens are also reminded to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media platforms.”
The SAPS further cautioned the public not to take the law into their own hands.
“Any incidents of violence, incitement, intimidation, or damage to property must be reported immediately to law enforcement agencies or the nearest police station.”
In addition, police operations yielded significant results in specific crime categories:
• 282 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs, including 79 in the Eastern Cape.
• 654 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor, with 241 in KwaZulu-Natal.
• 724 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“The SAPS remains committed to intensifying its operations, ensuring law and order, and protecting the people of South Africa,” it said.
