The continues deployment of more boots on the ground in the Western Cape for Operation Shanela ensured that 2718 suspects were arrested on an array of charges.

This successful intelligence-driven, high density patrols and actions are aimed at disrupting criminal activities before and during week when the safety and wellbeing of the communities in the Province are under a higher threat.

The total number of 2718 included arrests for the following serious offences:

•46 were for murder and 15 attempted murder;

•51 arrests for rape

•228 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm

•309 for common assaults;

•184 for drug related offences

•46 for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and

•1135 wanted suspects and

•95 for the possession of a dangerous weapon.

Seizures from the same operation are follows:

•36 Firearms

•795 round of ammunition from different calibres

•drugs, including 24kg of dagga, 319.96 grams tik, 139 mandrax tablets

•4 667 litres of liquor and

•99 Dangerous weapons and

•804 units abalone

The high density integrated operations comprised various SAPS units, other law enforcement agencies, private security companies and neighbourhood watch structures.

All the arrested suspects, are expected to make their court appearance in different courts once they have been charged

Source: South African Police Service