By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police Minister Bheki says we all agree that crime is [at unacceptable] levels and communities have called on the SAPS [South African Police Service] to respond to their crime concerns.
Cele gave an update on progress made in addressing serious crimes in the country during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.
He said in the past few of days, SAPS has intercepted armed and dangerous gangs, who have left a reign of terror and fear in their wake.
“A group of 11 youngsters terrorising the community of Mariannhill in KwaZulu- Natal was intercepted, and nine were shot and killed during the arrest,” Cele said.
Cele said over 20 would-be cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers in Witbank, Mpumalanga, were also stopped in their tracks through coordinated responses by the police and private security.
“Five of the suspects were killed during gunfire exchange with police in their attempt to evade arrest. Eight of CIT robbers were arrested and another nine managed to escape.
“There is no doubt that these criminals and many others are ruthless and arrogant. Their actions demonstrate that they will eliminate anything and anyone that stands in their way.
“Criminals have waged a war on communities and are so brazen, they are testing the authority of the State by attacking police officers,” Cele said.
Cele said police remain unapologetic in their aggressive and decisive response to crime.
The minister said the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division has been rejuvenated and bolstered to identify and infiltrate syndicates.
He said intervention units and tactical response teams of the SAPS continue to be capacitated.
Cele said Operation Shanela has been pivotal in combating crime through high-density operations across the country.
He said, to date, 551,506 suspects have been arrested for various crimes, with a significant number of arrests for serious offenses like rape, murder, and drug-related crimes.
Operation Shanela was launched in May 2023 in an attempt to clamp down on crime in high-density areas across the country.
Cele added police have arrested 2 819 illegal miners involved in illicit mining. He said that Operation Val’umgodi led to the arrest of South African and foreign nationals involved in illegal mining.
Amidst these successes, the ministry faces challenges, including the tragic loss of 109 police officers over the past 11 months, with 36 killed during active policing. Cele announced the arrest of 83 suspects in connection with these killings, underlining the risks faced by officers daily.