Rape Suspects, Serial Offenders and Violent Criminals in SAPS Crackdown as More Than 14 500 Arrested Nationwide
The South African Police Service has intensified its nationwide fight against gender based violence, femicide and other serious crimes, resulting in the arrest of 14 581 suspects during the past week under Operation Shanela II.
According to SAPS National Spokesperson Colonel Amanda van Wyk, police remain steadfast in their efforts to track down and apprehend perpetrators responsible for violent and serious crimes across the country.
Over the seven day reporting period, detectives traced and arrested 1 811 wanted suspects linked to serious and violent offences. Among those arrested were 174 suspects for rape, seven for attempted rape, 140 for murder and 130 for attempted murder.
Colonel van Wyk said the ongoing operation demonstrates SAPS's determination to protect vulnerable communities and ensure that offenders are brought before the courts.
One of the most significant developments during the week was the sentencing of 33 year old serial rapist Tenes Hassan by the Umzimkhulu Regional Court. Hassan received six life sentences after being convicted of raping six women between January and December 2022 in Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu Natal.
Evidence presented before the court revealed that Hassan targeted women who were either alone or living only with their children. He broke into their homes, demanded money and cellphones, and then sexually assaulted them.
In another major breakthrough, INTERPOL South Africa arrested a 40 year old Turkish fugitive in Isipingo, KwaZulu Natal. The suspect is wanted in Türkiye on charges of rape, sexual assault and kidnapping. The arrest follows another successful operation in Cape Town last month, where a former primary school principal, also sought by Turkish authorities for sexual assault, kidnapping and intimidation involving a minor, was apprehended.
Police also continued efforts to remove illegal weapons from communities. During the reporting period, officers seized 110 unlicensed firearms and confiscated 1 777 rounds of ammunition. SAPS has repeatedly highlighted the role that illegal firearms play in serious and violent crime and remains committed to removing these weapons from circulation.
To further strengthen operational effectiveness, SAPS promoted 1 965 members with effect from 1 October 2026. The promotions include 201 Colonels, 622 Lieutenant Colonels, 899 Captains and 243 Warrant Officers.
The latest crime fighting statistics show that police arrested 1 473 suspects for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, 2 506 suspects for drug possession, 219 for dealing in drugs, 773 for driving under the influence and 89 for robberies with aggravating circumstances. A further 1 269 undocumented immigrants were arrested across the country.
Police operations also resulted in the seizure of 619 dangerous weapons, while 59 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered. Various quantities of illegal drugs were also confiscated.
Across the provinces, several notable successes were recorded. In the Eastern Cape, police intercepted a vehicle in Kinkelbos transporting 360 kilograms of suspected stolen copper cable and arrested the driver.
In the Free State, Bloemspruit police arrested five suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a 31 year old man in Phase 7, Bloemfontein.
Gauteng police scored a major success when three suspected cash in transit robbers were fatally wounded and another arrested following a shootout on the R80. Officers recovered an AK 47 rifle and two 9mm pistols.
In Limpopo, a foreign national was arrested in Lephalale for dealing in illicit cigarettes, with stock valued at approximately R150 000 seized. The Hawks also arrested seven suspects linked to fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering involving more than R1.1 million at the Maruleng Local Municipality.
Operation Vala Umgodi continued to yield results in Mpumalanga, where nine Mozambican nationals were arrested for offences related to illegal mining.
In the Northern Cape, police in Alexander Bay arrested a 54 year old suspect for illegal mining and confiscated 13 bags of suspected diamond bearing gravel together with equipment allegedly used in mining activities.
North West police arrested 11 suspects near Stilfontein for illegal mining and immigration related offences, recovering mining equipment, explosives and gold bearing material.
Meanwhile, in the Western Cape, the Hawks arrested two additional suspects in connection with alleged human trafficking activities.
Colonel Amanda van Wyk said these results reflect the relentless efforts of SAPS members across the country, working around the clock to combat violent crime, protect communities and ensure that offenders face the full might of the law.