Free State police in collaboration with various multidisciplinary law enforcement partners, continues with a highly successful Operation Shanela II as part of the wider Safer Festive Season operation.
The continuous arrests of 1083 suspects serve a significant blow to criminal elements operating in the region, reflecting the SAPS’s dedication to ensuring a safe holiday period for all residents.
The operation yielded substantial results across various crime categories, including murder where 12 suspects were arrested, assaults (common and GBH) 315 suspects were arrested and rape, 46 suspects were arrested. Attempted murder 15 suspects were arrested. Dealing in drugs, 15 suspects were arrested while members confiscated drugs such as Mandrax, cocaine, Dagga and crystal meth.
During patrols, teams arrested 34 suspects who were found in possession of dangerous weapons such as pangas and home-made knifes. Visible policing led to the arrest of suspects wanted for malicious damage to property cases opened at different station in the province and 47 suspects in total were arrests.
Two people were arrested for illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm. During roadblocks, stop and searches as well as following on intelligence led information, 87 suspects were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act.
Drugs seized during successful Operation Shanela II in the Free Statehttps://t.co/xWDoH1Eyx5#ArriveAlive #DrugsOffTheStreets @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/4ALxow8vu4
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) December 2, 2025
